Pushing pause on Wynyard Crossing
In April this year we announced an exciting new project to replace the existing Wynyard Crossing pedestrian bridge with something so spectacular, all Aucklanders would be proud.
Hitting the fast forward button, we began an accelerated programme of investigations that would have impressed Usain Bolt.
We’ve submitted the resource consent application and while that goes through the publicly notified consent process, we’re taking the opportunity to push pause.
As part of the resource consent investigations, some significant challenges and constraints of the site were uncovered, including the need to strengthen the approaches to the bridge and working in a very compact area.
To get the best bridge we’re integrating the urban design elements of the adjacent open space on Te Wero and Karanga Plaza, to create one seamless waterfront experience.
And while we’re committed to delivering a new pedestrian bridge that is fit for purpose and of the highest quality and design, pushing pause to work on these constraints means a delay to the building of the new bridge.
“There are a number of challenges with the replacement of the Wynyard Crossing bridge. The most significant is our ability to complete the connection by the time the America’s Cup starts,” said Panuku’s Development Director, Allan Young.
“It may feel like we’re pushing pause on progress, but we want to ensure that what is built is going to be of the highest quality and design innovation.
We want to make a positive and memorable contribution to Auckland’s waterfront by delivering a bridge that is truly special,” said Young.
By pushing pause now and continuing to progress the project while the resource consent application is being processed, we’re going to be in a much stronger position to hit fast forward again once the America’s Cup and APEC have finished.
Wynyard Crossing by the numbers
Built in 2010 and opened to the public in 2011, in time for the Rugby World Cup
It’s 100 metres long and 4.4 metres of usable width
The bridge is made up of two 23 metre lifting spans
The bridge creates a 36 metre-wide channel for watercraft to pass through
Wynyard Quarter has already experienced a three-fold increase in the number of visitors
An additional 15,000 more workers and residents are expected to call Wynyard Quarter home over the next decade.
Visitors in 2012: 792,000 (pedestrians per annum)
Visitors presently: 2.2 million (pedestrians per annum)
Full build out in 2028: 4 million (assumes headland park open)
