Big plans for Hobsonville go to hearing

Hobsonville Airbase in West Auckland. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Public walking, bathing, boating and ferry facilities will rub shoulders with super yacht berthing and finishing in plans for the old flying boat landing area at the former Hobsonville Air Base.

Shared access to The Landing portion of the base redevelopment is a key part of the bid by a state agency for coastal permits and land-use consents.

A hearing of the bid by the agency, Hobsonville Land Co, began yesterday by independent planning commissioners for the Auckland Regional Council and Waitakere City Council.

The chief executive of the Housing Corporation subsidiary, Sean Bignell, said it aimed to build key infrastructure at an early stage of the 10- to 15-year Hobsonville Point redevelopment for 3000 homes, a marine industry cluster, shops and schools.

Opening up the coastal edge to the public would benefit the future community and Auckland region through increased access and transport links.

The consents would allow building of a ferry wharf by the Auckland Transport Authority to link the upper harbour development for the 10.5km by sea to Auckland and by bus to Westgate and Albany.

Rebuilding the historic Hobsonville Wharf was also planned, as well as establishing a coastal boardwalk and a new public boat ramp, and forming an all-tide sandy beach.

Commercial boat launching, retrieval and maintenance facilities and a marina would also be built - linked by road to a nearby marine industry precinct.

Elsewhere in the overall base redevelopment, the first 100 house sections were ready and residents expected to move in early next year.

Facilities for the marine industry, such as the super yacht launch, finishing berth and mooring area, would be developed and managed by Waitakere Properties - a council-controlled organisation - or an entity called Yard 37.

The existing ferry wharf would be demolished for a new structure of 90m long which will have a canopy and 13 public visitor berths. Tidal stairs would touch the water's edge at most tides.

The old seaplane ramp would be repaired in association with the Historic Places Trust.

The 44-berth marina has 40m outer fingers for use by the public and Hobsonville Yacht Club.

Super yachts of up to 75m will be catered for at a finishing berth.