Rezoning lets citizens set rules for harbourside redevelopment

Plans for the tank farm land include parks, public buildings, eateries and apartments. Picture / Martin Sykes

Aucklanders are being given a final chance to set the rules for 35ha of prime waterfront land around the western reclamation area before it is rezoned for apartments, commercial buildings and open space.

The reclaimed land, also known as the tank farm, is a multi-billion-dollar development far larger than the Viaduct Harbour built in the late 1990s for the America's Cup.

The tank farm has been the subject of numerous reports and visions but now the first concrete steps are being taken to shape the direction of the project, set to begin in 2009 and take until 2025 to complete.

In May, the Auckland City Council will lodge a plan change to rezone the land, which is largely used by the bulk liquid, marine and fishing industries. The southern part of the land, near Victoria Park, is privately owned.

Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard says Aucklanders have one chance to set the ground rules and "get this right".

"My vision for this development is it becomes part of a vibrant, people-friendly, downtown waterfront area that links the city to the sea," said Mr Hubbard.

He was adamant the tank farm would not become another playground for the rich, because it was just too important for the whole of Auckland, he said.

However, Mr Hubbard did acknowledge that there would be considerable residential and commercial development on the tank farm to help to pay the infrastructure costs and provide public open space.

Development contributions are expected to make up $120 million of these costs and Auckland City ratepayers will put up a further $160 million.

About a third of the land is set aside for apartments and the council has proposed buildings of up to 16 storeys along Daldy St south of Jellicoe St and buildings of between four and six storeys on the northern headland.

The current height restriction on nearby Fanshawe St is 30m, or eight to 10 storeys.

A four-page supplement on rezoning the tank farm in the latest issue of the council publication City Scene said there would be a "significant increase in the cost to ratepayers" to create more public space.

The rezoning plan includes a park on Daldy St at the southern end of at least half a hectare, a large park running down the centre of Wynyard Wharf, with a possible public building at the end, and a long, narrow tree-lined boulevard linking Victoria Park along Daldy St.

The plan proposes to locate the marine industry on the western end of Wynyard Pt and the fishing industry on the wharf area of Jellicoe St, which would include cafes, bars and markets.

There would be entry to the tank farm across a new bridge from the Viaduct for pedestrians and public transport.

This would create an east-west boulevard starting at the Viaduct, crossing Te Wero Island and along Jellicoe St. The council has also proposed developing a marine events precinct on the western viaduct. This would be at the northwestern end of the Viaduct Harbour.

Getting to and from the tank farm is already a headache and vehicle restrictions are likely to be put in place in favour of public transport, walking and cycling.

Possible changes include undergrounding Fanshawe St, a Halsey St underpass, a one-way system around Victoria Park, new intersections and pedestrian overbridges.

The council is seeking feedback before publicly notifying the plan change on May 31.

Details of the broad outline for the tank farm and a feedback form are available at the council's website.