Grays Beach access to go

The main access structure at Grays Beach will be permanently closed due to damage in the two storms of July this year.

 

Thames-Coromandel District Council subsequently approved funding for storm damage repairs in Mercury Bay, but after assessing the site it has proved to be no longer suitable due to a range of factors.

 

“To reconstruct an access structure in this location would be a very expensive process, that would not be able to be accomplished quickly,” says TCDC Parks Manager Derek Thompson. “We are closing and removing the structure as it has proven to be unsafe and to build a new one at the site will replicate the same issues.”

 

The proposal is to disassemble the majority of the structure, and relocate it for storage to the Matarangi Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is hoped, after beach scraping, parts of the structure may be able to be reused at Whangapoua.

 

The one part of the structure that will remain is the top viewing platform. This will be pulled back to a safe distance, and will be a focal point on the top of the hill with safety barriers, rudimentary seats and a litter bin.

 

The council will enhance beach access at street level along the banks of the Pitoone Stream by creating a better track than exists, improving signs, and possibly by providing a sand ladder at the transition zone to the beach.