Community Marine Hub Brochure by Benefitz

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PROPOSED

IMPORTANT PUBLIC INFORMATION

VOTE TO SUPPORT

A PUBLIC RESERVE WITH

COMMUNITY

MARINE HUB ACTIVITY

@ TAKAPUNA BEACH

THE FACTS EXISTING

THE FACTS Over 90% public space for the community Facility for EDUCATION

Hardstand area for Waka-ama & Sailing Existing Takapuna Beach Cafe

Fully funded & ready to go Enjoyed by all the FAMILY No additional cost to the local community Great fit for the ENVIRONMENT Under 9% high performance marine facility Will be great for CHILDREN Complies with Takapuna Beach Management Plan A big win for the LOCAL COMMUNITY

VERY IMPORTANT:

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Roof of the building is also park-like public space

Easy access to roof and reserve from both streets

Large flat grassed open public reserve space (PEOPLE ONLY NO BOATS).

IMAGINE THIS! The purpose of this document is to provide the public with an overview of the Harbour Access Trust (HAT) and to explain the rationale for redeveloping the northern reserve of Takapuna Beach (currently mainly occupied by the camp ground) into this â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a combination of sensational public space with a facility for sailing and marine sports.

If you share our vision for Takapuna Beach then make sure you tick the COMMUNITY MARINE ACTIVITY HUB as your first and second options when polled by Auckland Council (Shape Auckland). Complete the form with this brochure or visit to do it online.

www.marinehub.org.nz

THE FACTS Over 90% public space for the community Facility for EDUCATION Fully funded & ready to go Enjoyed by all the FAMILY No additional cost to the local community Great fit for the ENVIRONMENT Under 9% high performance marine facility Will be great for CHILDREN Complies with Takapuna Beach Management Plan A big win for the LOCAL COMMUNITY

WHO’S DELIVERING THIS PROJECT?

THE HARBOUR ACCESS TRUST (HAT) The Harbour Access Trust (HAT) was formed as a registered charitable trust in 2007, with the purpose being to provide the North Shore community with facilities for recreational marine activities and sporting events, to improve marine access to the Waitemata Harbour and establish better water transport connections. HAT initially focussed on returning ferry services to Takapuna and a new service to Browns Bay. We were successful in having both these ferry routes included in the Auckland Plan. In 2010, the Minister of Sport and the Mayor of the (then) North Shore City Council invited HAT to promote and deliver the Community Marine Activity Hub – then referred to as the National Sailing Centre – due to the intention to include a high performance sailing centre as part of the development. HAT Trustees agreed this project was consistent with the Trust’s objectives and embraced the opportunity. The trustees have since given thousands of free hours over the past five years to deliver a world class community marine activity hub, and at the same time return the reserve area to the public. We are committed and focused on achieving this outcome and while we acknowledge there have been objections – primarily from those who wish to see the commercial camp ground remain – we are heartened and even more committed to this project, through the (over 50%) majority support we have received in our recent resource consent application process. We urge you to read this document, consider the facts and support our efforts to make this a reality by voting for the Community Marine Activity Hub (option 3) as your first option.

While vocal opponents often refer to the HAT Trust as being a heartless bunch intent on closing the camp ground, this is far from the truth. We do share a vision, however, to create a fantastic public space on the northern reserve of Takapuna Beach that caters for marine activity and will play a big part in the lifestyles of Shore families in decades to come.

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HARBOUR ACCESS TRUST (HAT) – TRUSTEES

Peter Wall (Chairman) – North Shore Resident I moved to the Shore 25 years ago, for the lifestyle, the beaches and the wonderful adjacent waterways. I kayak, paddle board, swim, boat, fish and walk the beaches with my wife and our two dogs, sharing these moments with our family. In 2007, along with six other communityfocussed Shore residents, I was invited to form this trust with objectives to improve the access to the Waitemata waters, and to provide marine-related facilities. I jumped at the chance to give back to the community. The HAT Trust initially focussed on returning ferry services to Takapuna and a new service to Browns Bay. When invited by the Minister of Sport and the Mayor to promote and deliver the Community Marine Activity Hub, we were thrilled. Trustees have given thousands of free hours to deliver a world class community marine activity hub, and at the same time returning the reserve area to the public. I am heartened through the majority support we have received in our resource consent application process.

Sandra Wakeford – North Shore Resident I have been a Shore resident since the bridge opened in 1959 and have continued our family interest in anything marine related. I am a life member of Browns Bay Boating Club where I first joined the Yacht Squadron and am now part of the Power Squadron. I am a founder and past Trustee of Browns Bay Marine Centre which houses Browns Bay Boating Club and Coastguard North Shore and is a community hall used by the general public. I recently became a Marine Mammal Medic for Project Jonah where our power boat is available to DOC and Project Jonah for Marine rescue activities. This all had a natural progression to become a HAT trustee – a forward thinking group of people with a real interest in not only improving and providing marine related facilities but connectivity by sea for Shore residents. I truly believe that this project will make available the majority of the reserve for the benefit of all. This will be a place for family activities and also inspire our children and our grandchildren to become engaged in the community.

Peter White – North Shore Resident (GM, Takapuna Beach Business Association) Having worked in Takapuna for the last 11 years, I believe it is one of the most desirable places in the world to live and work. I am a trustee for much the same reason as my delight in working for the TBBA – a deep passion for the area and desire to ensure its future development does not compromise its status as NZ’s outstanding urban beach. The Community Marine Activity Hub returns the Northern Reserve to parkland – a green space that will be the backyard for those living in the intensified development planned to take Takapuna’s population over the next 20 years from 14,000 to 30,000. The bunkered storage will also allow those living in Takapuna’s high rise buildings, the opportunity to partake in marine activities by storing their craft at the beach.

Peter Montgomery (MBE) – Takapuna Resident (Broadcaster) My role as a trustee has meant a special opportunity to return the Northern Reserve to the people of Takapuna and the North Shore. An open space for all. With a small area for sailing of under of 9% tucked away in a corner.

Dave Donaldson – Takapuna Resident (Chair, Takapuna Beach Business Association) I have lived on the Shore for 50 years, with my wife I have brought up two sons and we are now proud grandparents of six. We live in Takapuna where I have helped develop the Takapuna Beach Cafe, The Department Store and for the past four years I have been chairman of the Takapuna Beach Business Association. I was a past President of the NZ Export Institute. My goals have included steering Takapuna’s urban design and infrastructure as this key urban centre grows; ensuring a vibrant town centre; improving parking, beaches, parks, walkways and amenities. Completing this wonderful asset for the community on the northern reserve of Takapuna Beach fits totally with my vision for the area.

John Sandford – North Shore Resident I’m a trustee of HAT because I believe in the aims and purpose of the trust, to improve access to and use of, the waterfront of the North Shore for the benefit of locals and visitors. Creation of the marine hub on the rear portion of the northern reserve of Takapuna Beach, for the benefit of improving our young people’s skills in small boat sailing, fits the purpose of the trust. I’ve been a North Shore resident for over 40 years. My children have been raised and educated here and now our granddaughter. My family and I have greatly enjoyed boating and beach-based activities on the Shore, particularly on Takapuna Beach. To allow the greatest number of people to further enjoy the beach as our population continues to burgeon, I fully support Council moves to free the Northern Reserve up to wider use by anyone who wishes to enjoy the space. I’m happy that a small part of the footprint at the back of the Northern Reserve be made available to enhance our world-renowned and Olympic-medalwinning skills in small boat sailing.

Aidan Bennett – Takapuna Resident (MD Benefitz, Publisher Channel Magazine) I am hoping locals will support the Harbour Access Trust’s initiative in returning this space for public use and creating the Community Marine Activity Hub. Through the trust the project is fully funded and ready to go. Should we miss this opportunity it may take many years for another solution to be found, approved, funded and completed. It is no secret that funds available from council for local development are hard to come by. For this community project we have them.

www.marinehub.org.nz

BACKGROUND The proposed Community Marine Activity Hub (CMAH) at Takapuna Beach – public space incorporating a facility dedicated to a high performance sailing and marine activity – started life as a proposal to establish a National Sailing Centre. The concept morphed into a broader based facility as a result of feedback from the public, relevant agencies and Auckland Council. In 2010, the then Minister of Sport, Hon Murray McCully, announced Government plans for capital investment in the development of high performance sporting facilities. This included the development of the Avanti Velodrome in Cambridge, the expansion of the Millennium Institute for Sport and Health in Mairangi Bay, and the development of a new National Ocean Watersports Centre at Takapuna Beach. The Government confirmed its support for the project through a financial grant of $3m, which is administered by Sport New Zealand. A contribution of $2.5m was also secured from the New Zealand Community Trust (a charitable trust which provides grants to fund amateur sporting groups). Sport New Zealand approached North Shore City Council with a proposal to construct the facility on land at the Strand, Takapuna in May 2010. North Shore City Council agreed to support the proposal and in August 2010 North Shore City Council confirmed funding of $3m towards the project. A formal Relationship Agreement was signed in September 2010 with North Shore City Council. Following that agreement the Harbour Access Trust was invited to be the promoter and developer of the proposal. Alternative sites have been considered along the way, however the northern reserve was determined to be the best site due to meeting key criteria and fitting with the council’s vision on the Takapuna Beach Management Plan 2013. The Takapuna Beach Reserve Management Plan 2013 sets a very clear vision for the Takapuna Beach Reserve and specifically contemplates a facility of this nature within the northern part of the reserve. The Northern Activity zone, in which it is proposed that the CMAH will be located, provides for both structured and unstructured activities. The unstructured part of the Northern Activity zone part of the reserve, and in particular the area adjoining the coast, provides unstructured space for use by the public for activities such as picnicking and playing. It also hosts temporary events such as organised water sports and other sport and community events. The Northern Activity zone also contemplates structured activity, such as boat storage, hardstand, launching facilities, marine-related activities and ancillary structures. The Reserve Management Plan indicates that such facilities should be located in the area adjacent to Alison Avenue. HAT has worked closely with Auckland Council and Sport New Zealand and Yachting New Zealand to develop the proposal. When it agreed to provide funding for the Project, the Council made clear that the proposal must provide a range of benefits to the general public, the boating community and marine sportspeople (sailors, kayakers, paddlers, etc.). This resulted in the identification of a number of factors which have strongly influenced the world class design of the facility.

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As this artists impression demonstrates the HAT development will create a very special flat park space for locals and visitors to enjoy. In addition, the roof of the building will also be public space. A safe and enjoyable environment for all ages.

Proposed.

A SPECIAL PUBLIC SPACE FOR ALL THE COMMUNITY

Existing.

Over 90% of the site will be public space, opening up great parkland perfect for:- Children to play, Family picnics, barbecues and events, Charity and community events, Outdoor theatre, Recreation and fitness, Annual events such as ANZAC Day service.

When it agreed to provide funding for the Project, the Council made clear that the proposal must provide a range of benefits to the general public, the boating community and marine sportspeople (sailors, kayakers, paddlers, etc.). This resulted in the identification of a number of factors which have strongly influenced the world class design of the facility.

www.marinehub.org.nz

THE FACTS Over 90% public space for the community

WORLD CLASS DESIGN

Facility for EDUCATION Fully funded & ready to go Enjoyed by all the FAMILY No additional cost to the local community Great fit for the ENVIRONMENT Under 9% high performance marine facility Will be great for CHILDREN Complies with Takapuna Beach Management Plan A big win for the LOCAL COMMUNITY

… the vision… to develop a design that would meet both the community and functional needs of such a facility while reflecting a high standard of design that would fully respect and respond to the unique context, both environmentally and culturally.

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PLAN 1 SITE LAYOUT PLAN

Large flat grassed open public reserve space (PEOPLE ONLY NO BOATS).

The key factors underpinning the design of the Takapuna Beach northern reserve and associated facilities were the need for: • A facility which is sensitive to its locality and acknowledges the environment within which it is located so as to not adversely impact on public use or access of the reserve or impede views from adjacent land users. • The incorporation of facilities, and improvement of existing facilities, for use by the wider community and users of the reserve and beach, including storage, toilets, showers and change facilities. • A facility that makes a positive contribution to the reputation of Takapuna as a destination. • A fully integrated facility with the Takapuna Boating Club and Waka Ama. • A facility that is “fit for purpose” for Yachting New Zealand’s aspirations. Once these factors had been identified, the vision was communicated to Warren & Mahoney (architects) and Boffa Miskell (landscape and urban design specialists), to develop a design that would meet both the community and functional needs of such a facility while reflecting a high standard of design that would fully respect and respond to the unique context, both environmentally and culturally. HAT is satisfied that that the final design of the proposal more than meets those objectives.

www.marinehub.org.nz

LANDSCAPING PLAN & TREES

PLAN 4 LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN

Legend (Indicative Material Suggestion) 1. Improved pedestrian and vehicle entrance to Marine Activity Hub and the reserve. (Natural stone feature paving and exposed decorative aggregate concrete) 2. Marine Activity Hub building entrance forecourt (Exposed decorative aggregate concrete) 3. Vehicular and pedestrian shared access way (Exposed decorative aggregate concrete) 4. Pedestrian access to the site (Exposed decorative aggregate concrete and concrete pavers) 5. Pedestrian walkway (Self binding gravel / Shell path) 6. Viewing Platform (Timber decking on concrete base) 7. Informal seating area on sloped lawn (Steel garden edge, Lawn) 8. Feature seat along the edge of raised garden bed (Corian folded sheet) 9. Roof garden amenity planting (Steel garden edge, NZ native coastal herbfield) 10. Light well structure / window (to architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specification) 11. Step access to roof garden / Marine Activity Hub forecourt 12. Informal reserve open space (Lawn) 13. Reserve amenity area including seating, BBQ & signage (Timber decking, timber/precast concrete seats, relocated existing BBQ stands, bespoke signage) 14. Reserve amenity planting (NZ native planting) 15. Outdoor shower area (to match existing adjacent footpath material / Outdoor shower stand) 16. YNZ hardstand area / Waka Ama (Permeable concrete) 17. Swale Garden Strip (Swale planting and necessary underground services)

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PLAN 4 LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN

A massive benefit of the HAT proposal for the Public Reserve and Community Marine Activity Hub is that it is being done with funding already arranged by HAT and in place. With funds for public amenities in short supply, this is a huge advantage of this proposal. It is fully funded. A massive benefit of the HAT proposal for the Public Reserve and Community Marine Activity Hub is that it is being done with funding already arranged by HAT and in place. With funds for public amenities in short supply, this is a huge advantage of this proposal. It is fully funded. The landscaping will be a combination of native trees and plants and wide open grassed areas for public enjoyment. To achieve this, inappropriate non-native trees will be removed. No mature Pohutukawas are proposed for removal. The majority of trees for removal are non-natives. The pohutukawas will remain on the reserve. Eleven will remain in-situ and six (not mature trees) will be transplanted within the reserve. The latter have been assessed by arborists as being in good health and the species proven to transplant well. One young sapling will be removed. Six native trees (not pohutukawas) in fair condition will be replaced by eight new natives. Additionally there will be extensive planting of native species, such as the native herb field garden on the grassed rooftop of the Community Marine Activity Hub facility. There are no proposed changes to the Sacred Grove, Te Uru Tapu. The objective of the extensive landscaping plan which is part of the proposal is to enhance the native local biodiversity with indigenous (native) plants and trees associated with the coastal environment.

www.marinehub.org.nz

VISUALLY APPEALING AND GREAT PUBLIC ACCESS The plan proposes opening up the western and northern sides of the reserve – enhancing the coastal walkway and its integration with the surrounding areas. It means people will be able to move more freely through, around and across the reserve. As clearly illustrated in these ‘existing’ photos versus the artists impressions of the proposed development, the visual appeal from the adjacent streets – Alison Avenue and Earnoch Avenue – will be greatly enhanced. Gone are the unsightly wooden fences bordering the tired campground and obstructing the view. Locals and visitors will have virtually unobstructed views out over park to the beautiful waters and coastline. Access will also be greatly improved. At present access is only via The Promenade or a steep stairway from Alison Avenue. New entry to the area will be very easy for all abilities, from both Alison and Earnoch Avenue’s via the public parklike rooftop area down onto the flat grassed public reserve – a safe environment for family picnics, barbecues and events. Stairs provide access down from the roof into the reserve and ramps provide accessible pathways around the northern and southern parts of the site for wheelchairs, and those with prams etc.

Gone are the unsightly wooden fences bordering the tired campground and obstructing the view. Locals and visitors will have virtually unobstructed views out over park to the beautiful waters and coastline.

Proposed

Existing

Proposed

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Existing

A WORLD CLASS FACILITY FOR MARINE SPORTS & COMMUNITY USE The Community Marine Activity Hub (CMAH) will comprise a single level building adjacent to Alison Avenue (as far from the coastal edge as possible), with hardstand areas for boat and waka ama storage located to the south of the building (also adjacent to Alison Avenue). Approximately 350mÂ˛ of hardstand will be utilised for boat storage by Yachting New Zealand, and 200m2 by waka ama. Within the building around 570mÂ˛ boat storage area will be used by both Yachting New Zealand and the general public (some 30% of the storage area will be available for use by the public). There will also be a boat storage for the Takapuna Boating Club, replacing their sheds adjacent to the Takapuna Beach Cafe. There will also be public toilets, showers, a changing room area and briefing and training rooms to be used by Yachting New Zealand and other water-based sports. Water safety and sailing education programmes can be run out of the facility and with experienced sailors from the high performance training facility on the water with their coaches in support boats, they will be on the spot to come to assist at times of need. The design includes extensive areas of public open space, designed to accommodate both structured and unstructured recreational activities, as outlined in the Takapuna Beach Reserve Management Plan 2013, and will provide large grassed open spaces surrounded by appropriate layout of coastal trees and low vegetation, in line with the existing character of the site and surrounding area. There will be pathways through the site linking the coastal walkway with the central area of the site, allowing access to the public amenities and stairs onto the roof of the building. The roof will be planted with native species and will be a public space and viewing platform utilising the change in levels between the site and the Alison and Earnoch Avenue road reserves to provide wheelchair accessible access to this roof. It will be a fantastic community space.

There will be pathways through the site linking the coastal walkway with the central area of the site, allowing access to the public amenities and stairs onto the roof of the building.

THIS

… OR

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THIS

…

www.marinehub.org.nz

FACT-CHECKING PUBLIC RESERVE WITH THE COMMUNITY MARINE ACTIVITY HUB (CMAH)

Estimated

2016

12-18 months MYTH: THIS FACILITY JUST FOR AN ELITIST MINORITY.

FACT The CMAH is for everyone and opens up a part of the foreshore to greater public access and enjoyment. The reserve area that the public will be able to freely access is significantly greater than currently, due to the presence of the camp ground. The proposal is an ideal use under the 2013 Reserve Management Plan and meets the objectives with wide open parklike public spaces bordering the foreshore and support facilities for marine-related activities which the public can watch and enjoy. This includes Waka ama, paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing by Olympic champions providing a unique experience on the North Shore coastline.

MYTH: THERE ARE BETTER LOCATIONS FOR THE YACHTING NEW ZEALAND FACILITY. FACT After extensive research, this site was determined as the best location. It also dovetails into the objectives of the Takapuna Beach Reserve Management Plan 2013. This is the ideal location for a national sailing centre. Just as Karapiro is to rowing, Takapuna will be to our sailors – helping them to achieve podium finishes for New Zealand.

INSIDE THE BUILDING Takapuna Boating Club Storage Public toilet/shower/change

200m2

82m

MYTH: THE CAMP GROUND IS BEING CLOSED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CMAH?

FACT After a long comprehensive public process Auckland Council adopted a new Takapuna Beach Reserve Management plan in 2013 which does not include the campground as a permitted use and its longterm lease was not renewed at expiry date.

BUILDING

THE

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD

8.9% of the site

Single level, overall floor area = 1,252m2 Total Building Coverage = 1,372m2

MYTH: ALL TREES ARE BEING REMOVED, INCLUDING MATURE POHUTUKAWAS. FACT Wrong. There is a comprehensive landscape plan featuring native trees and plants as detailed in this booklet. The Pohutukawas will remain on the reserve. The objective of the extensive landscaping plan is to enhance the native local biodiversity with indigenous (native) plants and trees associated with the coastal environment.

MYTH: HAT OR YACHTING NEW ZEALAND COULD SELL OFF THE DEVELOPMENT OR USE THE SITE FOR OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

FACT The land will always remain Council

owned and Council will control the use of the site and the development by way of a formal lease and operational plan.

THE ROOF Fully accessible ‘green landscaped roof’ 1,372m2

MYTH: YACHTING NZ WILL “TAKE OVER” THE RESERVE AND BOAT RAMP AND THERE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT CONGESTION.

FACT Having dedicated storage and hardstand areas for boats and Waka ama will reduce congestion on the boat ramp and reserve. Once boats are launched the trailers and beach trolleys will be stored away in the areas provided. This will be a requirement of all sailors using the centre. The high performance training programmes are held primarily during the week, and sailors attend events internationally or around New Zealand during weekends further reducing weekend congestion. As a high performance centre no more than 20-30 boats would be stored and all would not be on the water at any one time. International commitments take athletes out of New Zealand for around 130 days per year. Sailors and boaties currently use the reserve and boat ramp yet have nowhere to store trailers or boats, the proposed centre will help reduce congestion not increase it.

HArdStandArea 850m2 = 500m2 Yachting NZ; 350m2 Waka Ama.

Yachting NZ

Waka Ama

399m2 400m2 171m2

Boat Storage: Public Boat Storage: Yachting NZ Yachting NZ High Performance

MYTH: A PUBLIC RESERVE SHOULD NOT BE LEASED TO A COMMERCIAL ENTITY.

FACT A significant part of the reserve has been leased to a commercial campground for more than 60 years. The Harbour Access Trust is committed to developing the Reserve in conjunction with the Council so that there are wide open spaces, extensive native planting and facilities for wider public enjoyment. The single level building with grassed roof at the rear of the site occupies less than 9% of the total reserve.

MYTH: YACHTING NZ WILL TAKE OVER ALL AVAILABLE CAR PARKING.

FACT Yachting NZ has an agreement to lease car parking spaces in the Bruce Mason Centre. At any one time there will be approximately 10-12 Yachting New Zealand staff (including coaches) at the facility and these individuals will use the leased carparks. The sailing program will ALSO operate predominantly during week days.