Some good news for residents of Eastern Auckland with news that AT now has plans for a new ferry terminal for Half Moon Bay, something I know the local board and local councillors have been pushing for some time now.
A new Half Moon Bay ferry wharf will provide passengers more shelter and improved access to buses.
Plans for the new facility, which Howick Local Board and Auckland Transport are working together on, are being shared with the public. It will be similar in design to the Hobsonville Point Wharf.
Ferry services are expected to begin from the upgraded facility in late 2016. About 1500 passengers a day use the current facility.
The $4.3 million project includes a proposed covered pontoon and wharf at the end of Ara-Tai, south of the existing passenger ferry pontoon. Also proposed, subject to funding, is improved and safer access to buses, with sheltered stops in the same location.
Howick Local Board Chair David Collings says the board is happy to see progress after ferry users have waited a long time for improvements in unsatisfactory conditions.
“This will deliver a facility that’s going to protect them from the weather but will also be of a very high quality.
“A quality Half Moon Bay ferry facility is one of the board’s top priorities. We’ve been very prudent with our allocation of Auckland Transport’s Capital Fund for local boards and saved it so we can now direct up to $2.5 million to help make the project happen.
“As they say, ‘we’ve been saving for a rainy day’, so we can now make sure Half Moon Bay ferry passengers can be sheltered on rainy days.”
Auckland Transport Project Director Nick Seymour says the new wharf will have much better shelter for passengers with the walkway and pontoon boarding area both covered.
“It will also be more accessible for people who are mobility impaired and provide improved safety for people getting on and off ferries.
“The new facility will be purpose-built for passengers, providing a transport hub with bus and ferry services located together.
“People can find out more about the proposed design and give feedback at two public information days or by going to Auckland Transport’s website. There will also be information at the existing ferry wharf,” Mr Seymour says.
There are two open days both being held at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, Ara-Tai, Half Moon Bay. The times are
Tuesday, 5 May 2015 – 4 pm to 7 pm
Saturday, 9 May 2015 – 10 am to 1 pm
AT say the new gangway and pontoon have already started being built off site and that construction at Half Moon Bay is expected to start early next year. They also say the features and benefits include:
- New ferry pontoon will be designed to provide better levels of passenger service and comfort.
- Better protection against the elements, with the canopy providing shelter from the prevailing wind and rain.
- Improved safety getting on and off ferries.
- More accessible for people who are mobility impaired.
- The wharf structure will incorporate elements reflecting the history of the area, including items which make reference to local Mana Whenua values.
- Separation of passenger ferry movements from leisure boat movements, improving sea traffic flows.
Below are a few images of what’s proposed.
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