No more cars on Auckland's wharves

The views of the Waitemata Harbour being spoiled by rows of cars will be no longer due to a new masterplan from Ports of Auckland, (POAL). The port company has revealed a draft 30-year masterplan for the 77ha of land it owns on the sea’s doorstep. The plans include a five-storey car park to keep car imports hidden from public view topped with a 1ha waterfront park accessible to the public. “We’re proposing to build a five-storey car handling building which will provide more capacity, hide cars from view and free up space on Captain Cook Wharf for cruise ships.” “On top of this building we will create a new waterfront park and next to it on Quay Street, we have earmarked space for a new hotel, or other such building for public use.” Consent for the carpark will be lodged next year, with a plan to have it completed within five years. The draft masterplan also involves development plans for a 13m piled concrete extension at the end of Bledisloe Wharf, which the company says is essential for a new berth and the success of other projects. The extension is guaranteed to cause a stir with critics due to further expansion into the harbour. Last night, Auckland mayor Phil Goff said he did not support further extension of the port into the harbour. "This is a proposal only and needs to be subject to public discussion. Ultimately it will go through a consent process where public can make submissions," Goff said. However, the extension is smaller than previous expansion plans and it is line with recommendations from the Auckland City Council’s Port Future Study last year. "We've developed a draft 30-year masterplan that we think balances Auckland's economic, social and environmental needs...it creates space for freight and gives Auckland Council the time it needs to make a sound decision on where, when and how to move the port," Tony Gibson, the port’s Chief Executive, said. Details of the draft masterplan can be found at: www.masterplan.poal.co.nz