A downtown beach in the city. Who doesn't want that? A city with such an abundant coastline as Tāmaki Makaurau ought to be able to manage it many times over. Especially as the landlocked Paris
Design for Living: Paris Plages - the beaches in the middle of the city
We also know, from the limited offerings on Queens Wharf, that setting up a few food containers and deck chairs in a wasteland is not the way to do it.
So why aren't we fixing this? One day, the containers and cars and all the bulk goods at the port will be gone. And one day after that, there will be, who knows, beaches and parkland and maybe a stadium and commercial development too. But are we really going to wait another 20 or 30 years?
Where's the plan to put steps down to the water from Quay St and/or the finger wharves, truck in the sand, build the protected swimming areas and have some fun? Get those cars off Bledisloe Wharf now and so much will become possible. Downtown Auckland is desperate to be brought back to life. Inner-city beaches could be a part of that.
Design for Living - bright ideas to make cities better - is a regular series in the Herald's Canvas magazine.