Limited opportunities left at Auckland's newest waterfront destination
Saturday 6 November 2010, 4:15PM
By STAR Public Relations Ltd
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Experienced New Zealand-owned food and beverage sector operators have been quick to snap up space at Auckland’s newest waterfront destination, North Wharf in Wynyard Quarter.
Construction is already underway and more than 60 per cent of space is spoken for at North Wharf, which by July next year will be an authentic, seafood-influenced area for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
There is limited space left on North Wharf, and while all opportunities are still being considered, vacancies are open for primarily a seafood restaurant, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a fish and chip outlet. A thorough selection process will ensure the balance and quality of the offerings.
“North Wharf’s location right on Auckland’s waterfront makes it absolutely unique,” says Cameron Loader, leasing manager for North Wharf. “The area gets all day sun and opens out onto a new water’s edge promenade for alfresco dining.”
“This is an exciting, new and timely opportunity, with New Zealand’s economy well into recovery mode in this sector. With the RWC2011 coming, and the revitalisation of the rest of the Jellicoe Street area, North Wharf is set to become a new destination with busy trade.”
The revitalisation of North Wharf brings together a fresh, new concept for Auckland’s waterfront, which retains the character of the working wharf but combines it with a new style of alfresco dining.
The new buildings currently being constructed on North Wharf have been designed by award-winning local architects Fearon Hay, who have taken their inspiration from the area’s industrial past and its rare water’s edge location.
The buildings have been set back from the wharf edge, creating a wide promenade where people can enjoy a lazy stroll, sit and have a coffee or lunch, or watch the fishing boats unload their catch.
By July next year when North Wharf opens, the rest of the first stage of Wynyard Quarter’s revitalisation will be largely complete. It will transform Jellicoe Street into a waterfront boulevard and open up a whole new area for Aucklanders to enjoy by RWC 2011.
Construction has already begun on Wynyard Crossing, the interim pedestrian and cycling bridge over Viaduct Harbour, and work on Gateway Plaza is soon to get underway. The plaza, which is adjacent to the Viaduct Events Centre, will include seating, art work and steps down to the water’s edge.
The Viaduct Events Centre provides a hub for events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and other events Aucklanders currently enjoy in Wynyard Quarter, including the Seafood Festival, Auckland International Boat Show and Fashion Week.
Other events are currently being scoped to ensure this part of Auckland’s waterfront is a hive of year-round activity with a range of activities to suit everyone. These will include weekly markets along Jellicoe Street.
Also to be complete by RWC2011 is Silo Park at the western end of Jellicoe Street, which will be a green, public open space where people can relax, enjoy the views out to the Harbour Bridge, watch the marine industry at work, explore the cement silos, and where children can enjoy the playground.
By then electric trams will also have made a comeback to Auckland’s waterfront with single track loop initially circuiting Jellicoe Street, Halsey Street, Gaunt Street and Daldy Street, with plans to eventually link to Britomart and Queens Wharf.
By 2013 when ASB Bank’s headquarters is completed on the corner of Halsey and Jellicoe streets, a further 1100 people will be working in Wynyard Quarter. Over the next 15 years this is expected to increase to a total of 14,000, with a further 7000 people living in Wynyard Quarter.
To find out more about the limited opportunities left at North Wharf, please visit www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz, or contact Mike Hammer at Match Realty on 021 688 038.