Eke Panuku will look for the opportunity to deliver on this project when the budget allows.
We consulted on the early design for the Harbour Bridge Park upgrade from 4 July to 31 August 2022 and after reviewing the feedback, we fed this into the detailed design.
Background
The upgrade of the Harbour Bridge Park public space was identified as a future project in the Waterfront Plan 2012 and the Westhaven Plan 2013 (2015).
Eke Panuku consulted on the early design for the Harbour Bridge Park upgrade from 4 July to 31 August 2022 and after reviewing the feedback, we fed this into the detailed design. Eke Panuku will look for the opportunity to deliver on this project when the budget allows.
The Waterfront Plan described the upgrade of Harbour Bridge Park as:
“A new green public space featuring a waterfront walkway and cycleway, providing increased access to the water for St Mary's and Herne Bay residents and the wider community. There will be opportunities for native planting, recognition of cultural heritage, and picnic and fishing spots to make the most of this area’s superb outlook across the harbour.”
The upgrade to Harbour Bridge Park will involve the following changes:
- Curran Street will be realigned to the back of the park away from the water’s edge, and redesigned as a one-way traffic system heading west to east
- A separated cycleway will be installed, providing a key connection between the north-western and central city cycle network
- Open green space will be designed to encourage recreational activity and as a place for people to spend time enjoying the views
- Piers will provide an extended viewing point over the water, and can be used for fishing activities which are popular in the area
- Different seating options will be in place to accommodate a range of users
- Rain gardens installed within the car parking area will improve the stormwater treatment in the area
- Ground levels will be elevated to mitigate rising sea levels
- Car parking provision will be maintained at current levels
- The wāhi tapu site (site of significance) Te Routu o Ureia will be represented in the space through landscape design, Māori mahi toi (Māori art) and signage in both te reo Māori and English
Wāhi tapu (site of significance)
The land that Harbour Bridge Park resides on is reclaimed, and before 1920 it was a tidal area of the Waitematā Harbour.
Within Harbour Bridge Park there is an identified wāhi tapu site (site of significance) named Te Routu o Ureia (reef of Ureia).
The renowned taniwha Ureia scratched its back on the protected area of reef that juts out from the headland.
The site’s cultural significance will be represented within the landscape design, native planting, Māori mahi toi (Māori artwork), and signage in both te reo Māori and English.
PDFS to download/links
Local Board concept presentation
Project Updates
Project on hold
May 2023
Eke Panuku is supporting Auckland Council as it works to find budget savings over the 2024/2025 financial year, which has resulted in some of our projects being slowed, including the planned upgrade for Harbour Bridge Park.
Upgrade proposal - your feedback
Thanks again for providing feedback on the Eke Panuku proposal to upgrade Harbour Bridge Park in Westhaven. We had some great ideas and questions come through and we appreciate you taking the time to communicate with us.
Auckland Council has had to find budget savings over the 2024/2025 financial year. As such, some of our projects have been slowed down or put on hold. This includes the planned upgrade for Harbour Bridge Park. We will look to progress this project when budget allows.
In the meantime, we thought we would share responses below to some of the key themes that came through. We will pick up on these themes in our next round of design iterations when we have more certainty about next steps.
Request for information about Harbour Bridge Park project costs
This project is currently on hold until funding becomes available. More defined costs will emerge when we proceed with the project.
Request to remove the road (Curran Street) altogether
The road provides access for park users and is also a key entry point to Westhaven Marina and the harbour bridge for undertaking maintenance. Removing this road would result in significant access issues for getting to and maintaining these important destinations and landmarks, and would also make access to the public space more difficult for those with accessibility limitations.
Request to include more improvements to pedestrian and cyclist accessibility
Safe access for pedestrians and cyclists has been a key consideration throughout the design process to date and will continue to be as the design is developed further. We are confident that providing dedicated space for active modes will enable more people to safely visit the area.
Request to consider giving more priority to cars
We won’t be giving more priority to cars in this location. However, provision for car parking will be maintained at current levels.
Request to include a greater focus on aquatic activities
Given the location and existing infrastructure with the seawall in place, there is no accessible area that has been identified for safe aquatic activities.
Request for information about what kind of amenities will be provided and whether these have increased as a result of the feedback we received
Amenities will be considered as part of the wider open space network (including Point Erin Park and the Westhaven Promenade), and will include elements like viewing platforms, rain gardens and seating to provide a welcoming and accessible space. Feedback will be taken on board when the design progresses further.
Other projects in Westhaven
- Westhaven
- In Progress
Westhaven seawall upgrade
01/09/2023 - 01/03/2024
- Westhaven
- Stage 2 complete
Berth and public access improvements
03/04/2023 - 05/12/2023