6 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Kaikōura District Council: Wakatu Quay Development T T Karen Phelps Quay project creating excitement The design, developed by Warren and Mahoney, takes into account the location, drawing inspiration from the surroundings, heritage and local geology. “We recognised early that community buy-in and collaboration was essential for a successful project. We have worked with the community and local iwi representatives from the project’s inception.” The transformation of Kaikōura’s Wakatu Quay is progressing steadily, with the development’s first building set to be completed by the end of October. Kaikoura Marine Development Programme project lead Chris Sturgeon says the building construction remains on schedule, with landscaping works to follow and be finished by the end of the year. “There will be nothing like Wakatu Quay in New Zealand with its seaside location and view of the majestic mountains,” says Chris. “It will draw visitor interest, both local and international, no doubt about it, as people visit our seaside town,” he says. The redevelopment of the quay, situated on prime waterfront land previously occupied by commercial fishing buildings, commenced after Kaikoura District Council secured a $10.18 million grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in 2019. The funding was awarded to help the area recover from damage sustained during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. Project manager Wendy Walker says the design, developed by Warren and Mahoney, takes into account the location, drawing inspiration from the surroundings, heritage and local geology. The exterior cladding references the marine environment and the hull shapes of traditional fishing boats. Local company LMC Building and Construction Ltd is constructing the first building, demonstrating the project’s commitment to utilising local businesses during the construction phase, says Wendy. Alongside the building works, significant progress is being made on the supporting road infrastructure. Downer’s Canterbury regional construction team commenced roading upgrades to Wakatu Quay and Lower Ward Street in March, with the programme scheduled for completion by end of June. When complete, the surrounding area will feature almost 100 car parking spaces, a reduced 30kph speed limit, a raised pedestrian crossing, and a crushed limestone footpath along the waterfront. Both Chris and Wendy say the success of the project has relied on multiple parties. Councillors and local business people have advised and guided the project, along with Te Rūnanga O Kaikōura, who have been involved with the project from its inception, with two senior members serving on the Kaikōura Marine Development Programme board and contributing to decision-making processes. Wendy says their input has been particularly valuable, including Maurice Manawatu as an advisor on the cultural artwork proposed for the site that has been designed by master carver Ricki Manual and constructed by Art Fetiche. Inovo has partnered with the council on the project. It is project managing the Wakatu Quay works, and its civil engineering team has designed the horizontal infrastructure elements. Inovo’s Scott Hoare says collaboration has been important, and throughout the design phase value engineering was consistently applied to keep the project within budget expectations. “We recognised early that community buy-in and collaboration was essential for a successful project. We have worked with the community and local iwi representatives from the project’s inception. “Through this engagement, numerous ideas have been incorporated into the design. One way Inovo enhanced value was by focusing on the building’s longevity to minimise long-term maintenance and OPEX costs for the Kaikōura District Council.” He says a particular focus for Inovo’s civil engineers has been infrastructure-enabling works, including three water upgrades. New water-main connections, sewer, stormwater and allowances for fibre and fire-water supply will service future developments on the quay site. Allowances are provided within the stormwater design for wave overtopping taking into account a one-in-100-year event. Environmental considerations have been at the forefront of the project. The Kaikōura Marine Development Programme team has partnered with Project Wellbird, run by the Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust, to establish ‘safe zones’ where penguins are known to nest near Wakatu Quay and around South Bay. Chris says when completed, Wakatu Quay is expected to become a vibrant mixed-use space offering tenancy opportunities for hospitality businesses, tourism operators, community gathering points, event spaces and recreational areas that will complement existing businesses in Kaikōura. While no tenant has yet been secured for the first building, Chris says the Kaikōura District Council is actively seeking a hospitality business that aligns with the development’s theme. Chris says a palpable sense of excitement is developing: “Kaikoura is a really resilient town; after adversity we come back better and stronger than before. “Now the building is taking shape, people are enjoying seeing the growth of the development and the area after the earthquake. There is a lot of excitement and anticipation.” Engineering & Surveying services for the Kaikoura/Marlborough region ENGINEERS RESOURCE MANAGERS SURVEYORS 50 Years Over www. f raser thomas.co.nz Our expertise drives your project’s success
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