On Saturday August 6 Waterfront Auckland is holding a public open day to celebrate the opening of the first stage of the Wynyard Quarter redevelopment. Over the last 18 months we've managed the construction of 10 interlinked public spaces, places and buildings including:

• Wynyard Crossing – the opening bridge providing cycle and pedestrian access between the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter
• Karanga Plaza – a 6,500 square metre public square featuring tidal steps and a new high-tech information kiosk made from shipping containers
• Viaduct Events Centre – the new public events facility on Halsey Street Wharf, which will provide the marine industry with an opportunity to showcase its manufacture components, products and boats
• Jellicoe Street – a paved and tree-lined 500m boulevard linked with rain gardens to catch and clean stormwater before it reaches the sea
• North Wharf – the Old Red Shed has been revitalised and is now flanked by two new buildings, together housing ten new food and beverage offerings facing north to the Waitemata Harbour
• Silo Park – a new public space at the western end of Jellicoe Street featuring a 110m metre long gantry with viewing platforms providing extensive vistas over the Quarter, and a grassed area suitable for outdoor cinema and events
• Western edge marine berths – where you can see first hand magnificent new vessels commissioned or others being worked on
• Historic Tramline – a 1.5km tramline around Jellicoe, Halsey, Gaunt and Daldy Streets supporting two historic trams painted in the old Auckland colours

Together, these projects provide an entirely new waterfront destination for Aucklanders and visitors to Auckland – one that’s easy to get to on foot, on your bike, on the new City LINK bus services from Britomart or via tram from within Wynyard Quarter. And this is just the beginning. The Wynyard Quarter opens in time for Auckland to celebrate the Rugby World Cup however our focus is already way past that. Construction has started on the new ASB building on the corner of Halsey and Jellicoe Streets and we're working on two new initiatives for the marine industry – one celebrating the past and the other to enable further industry growth and jobs. These projects are part of stage two of the four stage, 25-year redevelopment programme for Wynyard Quarter.
 

In addition, we’re looking at how we might better connect the 10.5km stretch of inner city waterfront - from Harbour Park in the west to Teal Park in the east – to neighbouring surrounds while supporting the business and residential growth in this area. Options for your waterfront are being compiled within a draft Waterfront Plan that we would like you to look at during September and October – when you’re not watching the rugby at the newly refurbished Shed 10 at the newly redeveloped Queens Wharf, or the new Cloud structure we’ve constructed in partnership with the NZ Government.
 

You can tell we’ve been busy! Come along to Wynyard Quarter on August 6 and let us show you around. A full opening day schedule will be posted on our website shortly.
 

Kind Regards
John Dalzell