Missing link in seaside walk back on table

Photo / Dean Purcell

A missing link in a seaside walk from Long Bay to Devonport could be filled soon after 34 years of agitation by North Shore residents.

The footbridge over the Wairau Stream was demolished in May 1975 because it was dangerous and repairs would cost $37,000.

Walking between Milford Beach and Castor Bay took longer and meant taking a turn inland and along a busy road to get round the Milford Marina.

Controversy has dogged every step toward getting a replacement.

Boaties have forcefully put their case against any proposal likely to trouble navigation of the Wairau's narrow tidal channel to the sea.

Public opinion in 2006 favoured a bridge with a bascule opening structure which would allow boats to pass during the hours when the tide was high.

A year ago, a proposal was put to North Shore City Council for a $2.45 million bridge, with annual operating costs of $20,000 to $30,000.

Outrage prompted the council to form a working party to review the choice of bridge types, sites, and opening hours, with mariners and residents' associations of Milford and Castor Bay.

Meanwhile, the council put aside $1.97 million in its city plan in the hope that the bridge concept would be refined to reduce costs.

The latest concept, which has a lifting span, goes before the Takapuna Community Board tonight.

Board chairman Martin Lawes said he asked for the presentation despite the board being unable to change the council's approval.

"I want to put it back into the limelight because what is proposed is quite different to the proposal which went out for public consultation.

"It's like a crane jib up in the sky for most of the day, depending on the tide."

Mr Lawes said the public's views would have to be taken into account at a resource consent hearing.

City councillor Ken McKay, who is a former chairman of the Castor Bay Ratepayers' Association, said residents had made a big concession in consenting to the bridge being raised to give boats high tide access. "But the best time to use Milford Beach is when the tide is receding because the tide comes up high on the beach."

Mr McKay said the new design was basic and safe. It would fulfil a promise by the former Takapuna City Council to replace the old bridge at its cost, which was about $60,000 in 1975.

He said the bridge would make it easier to walk to the beach and would also serve a 23km section of Te Araroa - the Long Pathway, from Long Bay to Devonport.