New Landmark for Auckland

Orakei Point

June 16th

New Landmark for Auckland

Options for a landmark gateway into Auckland City were unveiled today for the Orakei Point area on the City fringe.

Redwood Group and the Auckland City Council have agreed to develop a joint master plan for the area with Redwood Group managing Director Tony Gapes outlining a range of exciting concepts to maximise its natural coastal features and its proximity to major rail and road corridors.

“Our vision for this outstanding coastal site is to unlock its natural features for the public and residents while creating a more intense style of development that is appropriate on a significant public transport corridor,” says Mr Gapes.

“What we are striving for is a place where Aucklanders will want to live, work and visit. The options we are looking at replace a tired, inaccessible, ad hoc industrial estate with open and public spaces, quality, desirable residences, integrated transport options, restaurants, cafes, shops, cycle ways and pedestrian precincts.”

Mr Gapes said that the most exciting and innovative option results in more than 40% of the peninsula given over to public and open spaces with rooftop dining and access to the spectacular views into the city for the public.

“Auckland City emphasised creating a sustainable community on this site and an asset for Auckland. We both wanted to take full advantage of the fact Orakei Point is just 2-3 minutes by rail from the commercial heart of Auckland and we’ve aimed to future-proof key elements of the infrastructure to ensure there is room for future changes such as rail electrification.

“We are looking closely at several options for this site and they will feature in the ongoing consultation before our proposal goes to the Council for discussion and approval.”

A public open day to display and discuss options is being held at the site on June 22 between 11am and 4pm. Redwood Group management have already met with many of the groups interested in the future of the area. The local residents group is being briefed later today and there will be an information leaflet drop in the area following the open day. A website orakeipoint.co.nz goes live for the Open Day to assist those wanting to provide feedback or seeking further information.

Consultation and engagement with key stakeholders continues for several months with formal notification and submissions scheduled for the final quarter of this year (probably October/November).

Mr Gapes said earlier discussion and consultations with public and council had created a list of elements to be integrated into the site design that included:

 Sustainability

 Public parks and spaces

 Coastal and pedestrian walkways and access

 Consideration for volcanic features

 Cycleways

 Enhanced road and traffic management

 Cover existing rail station,

 Enhanced access to park and ride

 Highlighting coastal features

“The final option will need to incorporate those features while also ensuring the residential and commercial spaces are places where people want to work and live. That means larger apartments with higher studs – appropriate for quality, desirable residences – as well as light and space.

“Those elements and the integrated features are what drives the intensity of this development which we feel is a threshold site for Auckland.

“Auckland is a top 10 city in which to live and is the third largest city by area in the world. That spread and the resultant traffic issues can’t continue and that is why Auckland City is seeking more intense development along corridors like this.

“We’re taking a rough diamond and creating a benchmark, polished gem for Auckland. We want this development to set the standard for future more intensive residential spaces along these appropriate corridors.”

Mr Gapes said there would be around 1,000 apartments (for about 2,500 people), about 10,000 square metres of commercial space and a similar amount of space given over to boutique shops, restaurants and cafes.

“I must stress none of these numbers are final but, with that mix the site becomes commercially sustainable with Redwood Group contributing around $100 million to the cost of developing the infrastructure and public spaces included in the overall integrated plan.

“In looking at the options our aim has been to incorporate as many of the desired features as we can while maximising green and public space and balancing those against a commercial return with minimal costs to the city.

“Our aim here is for an Auckland landmark that has vibrancy and a feel that makes you want to live there or visit Orakei Point.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media