Waitemata Plaza receives $1.2 million makeover

Waitemata Plaza after receiving the $1.2 million makeover. Photo / Supplied

Auckland's Viaduct Harbour has finally got some green space with a $1.2 million makeover of Waitemata Plaza.

The hard surface of cobblestones and pavers have been replaced after 15 years with grass mounds and coastal plantings to soften the public space.

Waitemata Plaza before the makeover. Photo / Supplied

A public artwork, Long Modified Bench, Waitemata Green 2015 by Danish artist Jeppe Hein, completes the 450sq metres space between apartment blocks and businesses on Customs St West overlooking the inner-city harbour.

The public artwork is on loan from the Edmiston Trust and complements an existing kinetic sculpture, Cytoplasm, by artist Phil Price.

Waterfront Auckland's development general manager Rod Marler said the transformation will go a long way to encouraging people to use the sunny waterfront spot.

He said the overwhelming message during feedback on the project was for more green space in the area, something the landscape architects, Isthmus Group, had delivered.

Waterfront Auckland trialled a number of different designs for the plaza, including an inner city beach to see how the public would engage with the space.

"As a consultation-focused organisation we take pride in delivering places that are designed around users of spaces.

Waterfront Auckland's development general manager Rod Marler said the transformation will go a long way to encouraging people to use the sunny waterfront spot. Photo / Supplied

"With Waitemata Plaza, we're taking this to the next level with a bit of experimentation, getting feedback from the inception," Mr Marler said.

The project team inlcluded Isthmus (landscape architect/designer), MPM (project management), eCubed (lighting and electrical design), BGT (civil and structural), Hawkins (main contractor) and Ngati Whatua Orakei Nursery (plantings).