Auckland Waterfront Master Planning and Port Relocation: New Committee Taskforce Formed
The Committee for Auckland is creating a taskforce to progress implementation of recommendations made in the council-commissioned Port Future Study, following the March 28 presentation on the future of Auckland’s downtown port to the Council’s Development Committee.
Expediting the relocation of the port as well as identifying potential alternative locations for the port, which were key recommendations of the study, along with advancing a long term, far-reaching waterfront masterplan will form the soul of this Taskforce.
The Committee believes relocation of the industrial parts of the port is a matter of urgency, as an early decision on its future location will support critical planning and funding decisions about Auckland’s infrastructure.
For example, the 2016 ATAP report includes an indicative investment of $381m to improve road and rail infrastructure to the port within 20 years. If the port is going to move, this money should be earmarked for new infrastructure relative to its planned location.
The main finding of the Port Future Study was that the tension between the port and the CBD will lead to sub-optimal outcomes for one or for both. Moving the port will resolve major sea and land-side issues, and transform the waterfront into a high-productivity mixed use space.
This will significantly enhance Auckland’s global competitiveness and offer Council the opportunity to increase its future funding options. Decisions ahead on the ownership structure of the port need to be consistent with the port moving expeditiously and freeing up prime waterfront space that can be developed for Auckland and its visitors to enjoy.
The Committee will continue to work as it has with likeminded organisations, as an influential grouping of Auckland leaders, and we aim to create a vision for a more productive use of existing port land, and speed up sensible and courageous decision making in Auckland and Wellington.
While port relocation is an important priority for the Taskforce it will also focus on developing a masterplan for the current Port land to inspire and galvanise popular interest in its potential, and how it can contribute to the City’s future growth and vision.
Interest in participating in this group should be directed to Heather Shotter @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 09 300 1234.
