Perspectives on Auckland's Waterfront Project - Sea+City Projects, Auckland, New Zealand

Perspectives on Auckland's waterfront project
By Rita Justesen

During my stay in Auckland I came across beautiful places and lovely people. It was a pleasant feeling to experience such a warm welcome and to be met with nothing but enthusiasm for waterfront projects here in Auckland and in Copenhagen. I would like to thank Auckland Regional Holdings, Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City Council along with Sea+City Projects for making my visit one filled with positive memories. My visit was an inspiration both in terms of developing a new harbour front in Auckland, but also in sharing a common passion for creativity, architecture and exploring the possibilities of the sea meeting the city.

Reflecting on my experience from the development of Copenhagen harbour, I find that Auckland has great potential to become an exquisite example of collaborative elements, which is important when planning a harbour front. The different elements contribute to a diversity that creates a liveable harbour front. Having separate owners with separate interests is one of the challenges that Auckland faces. What we have done in Copenhagen is to create master plans for larger areas for everybody to comply with, in order to fulfil the criteria of new integrated neighbourhoods along the water. This philosophy of a harbour of mixed use and heterogeneity is, as well as separate ownership, a factor for Auckland to consider. What should also be taken into account is the future use of the harbour.

A stark difference between the harbour in Copenhagen and Auckland is the operating timeframe and the area being transformed. In Copenhagen we have put in a huge effort to change the entire waterfront along Copenhagen in just 10 to 15 years. On the contrary, Auckland is facing a slightly smaller area but a much larger timeframe due to the different leasing contracts. Keeping this in mind, as well as the upcoming Rugby World Cup in 2011, is also important when designing a waterfront in Auckland. Starting the process of a mixed use waterfront can be a challenge when having to deal with several events planned in the future. My advice is to stay focused on a village-style, vibrant life and the creation of one harbour, instead of planning from one event to the other. Remember, changing the harbour and creating a new atmosphere is a long-lasting solution and should be appreciated and enjoyed by both tourists and the inhabitants of Auckland. In other words, a harbour that is open to everybody and with the ability to feature working life as well as leisure-time activities.

A pressing matter is Queen's Wharf with a proposed cruise ship terminal. Obviously, a middle ground needs to be found, where the waterfront area is both functional and serves as a beautiful landmark for Auckland. I see great possibilities for this to happen and the enthusiasm that I felt during my visit makes me certain that Auckland will continue to be an inspiration to visit. I believe this exchange of ideas is the beginning of a new era for Auckland harbour and I hope my visit and the presentation of Copenhagen's waterfront has made it clearer for you to see the connection between our two beautiful harbour cities.