Geyser Building Site Tour …

The Auckland Architecture Association has extended an invite to Eye on Auckland readers for the opportunity to visit the fabulous Geyser Building in Parnell on the 2nd of June 2012 at 3pm. The cost is $35.00 per person and $15.00 per student. I hope to see you there.

Geyser Site Tour Promotional Brochure

Waterfront Auckland responds …

Recently there has been some issues regarding design and function at North Wharf in the Wynyard Quarter so I decided to tackle the problems head on and I am pleased to announce that Waterfront Auckland has been more than willing to listen and most importantly they are going to resolve the problems at hand. It has been a pleasure to deal with them and I look forward to meeting with them in the near future.  I asked the following questions and here are the replies:

Q … The fish-crate public seating are currently being used by restaurant patrons i.e. for seating and coat/bag storage. You will notice that the general public do not want to use them because it is too uncomfortable for people to sit under the noses of dining patrons. I propose that the fish-crate seating be moved over towards the water’s edge by at least 2 meters, will this be a viable option ?

A … We have noticed also that these areas are encroaching on the fishing crates and we are pricing moving the crates closer to the water to give them some breathing space. We have engaged our contractor to rearrange the crate seating along North Wharf. We will not be adding any additional fixing points but they will concentrate the seats along the Northern most line compared to the more southern points where they are now. This will create a greater divide between the restaurants licensed areas and the public seating. We will monitor this once complete to make sure the public are making the most of these.

Q … Are there any design guidelines to adhere to ? Super size sandwich boards are imposing on views and some restaurants such as Pescado are using rather tacky outdoor furniture.

A … All signage should be within the licensed areas and we continue to monitor this including using our security. 

Q … Is there a bus shelter planned for the City Link Bus ? …. on numerous occasions I have witnessed people standing in the rain or waiting under cover at Pescado until the bus comes and then they make a dash for it.

A … The bus stop on Jellicoe Street is currently awaiting resource consent. This is being managed by Auckland Transport and is grouped in with 20 other new bus shelters around Auckland requiring consent. We are watching this closely and if it looks like it is going to be a longer process than expected we will request that Auckland Transport removes the Jellicoe Street bus stop from the group and process it seperately to speed it up.

Q … With regards to pedestrian flow … there are large benches stretched out across the access paths leading from the promenade in front of The Viaduct Events centre to the promenade in front of North Wharf – will these be removed and bollards placed there or are they going to stay ?

A … The benches have been used in place of bollards as they are low lying. Without them the wharf turns into a roadway but at the same time as deterring private cars need to leave access for legitimate uses on a working waterfront. The benches also double in use to slow down cyclists and children on scooters when approaching a roadway. I know that this isn’t an ideal solution and I would be happy to discuss this further with you. If anybody has any ideas on how this may be improved please leave a comment.

Q … Why the Public Viewing Deck at the Viaduct Events Centre closed when there are festivals on. The public find it exclusive and annoying when they can’y access it. Are there plans to change this ?

A … The public viewing deck at the VEC is owned and managed by RFA, it is open to the public 95% of the time but they have the right to close it when large scale events are taking place and it is impossible to retain public access.

Q … Many people find it annoying that you hold events on Te Wero Island (not the viaduct side – the Wynyard Quarter side) – mainly because of the disruption to pedestrians during the construction period of temporary structures i.e. trucks and vans battling with pedestrians for access of the area.  Is it possible to rethink this strategy ?

A … We completely agree! Yes the strategy is being revised with events on Te Wero and Eastern Viaduct being substantially reduced and designed to work around our marina operations. We have inherited a number of legacy events from the former Auckland City Council which we have commitments to hold on our land. Our view is that there should be no events on Te Wero going forward and are working to make sure that this is the case.

An icon is reborn.

Sophistication and upmarket dining is set to return to Takapuna. First it was The Department Store (voted best retail store in the World) and now The Mckenzie’s project is nearing completion. The high-end development aims to recapture the spirit of the 1940s McKenzies department store that once stood on the site and lured shoppers to Takapuna’s main street – Hurstmere Road. Construction began late last year and fit-out work of the restaurants, bars and shops is due to begin soon with opening planned for May. Pack & Company is known for its bars and restaurants in the swish IMPERIAL LANE development in Auckland city and will take up five tenancies – half of the development. This covers all hospitality including an upmarket restaurant, bar/bistro, Danish patisserie and whisky/wine bar. Details of the operators are being kept under wraps and tenants for the high-end fashion stores are still to be confirmed.

View of the original McKenzies Department Store from Hurstmere Road.

Internal Courtyard with beach access.

The development helps right the wrong by opening Takapuna up to face the beach with a paved lane linking Hurstmere Rd to The Strand (long overdue and shocking to think that most commercial properties turn their back onto the beach – what were our forefathers thinking !). Striking tulip parasols, a living wall of plants and artwork will be key features of the internal courtyard that faces high-end fashion shops. The courtyard doubles as a function space and last week BMW was already using it to launch its latest luxury car. Features of the original McKenzies and neighbouring Lane’s Bakery buildings have been retained including brickwork, wooden beams and steel framework.

The Facts:

• The McKenzies Project will involve the incorporation of 7adjoining buildings to form 3 separate zones, surrounding a new pedestrian lane and internal courtyard.
• With prominent retail frontages and a gateway from Hurstmere Road, McKenzies extends towards the beach with a 6 metre wide pedestrian lane and an open courtyard at its heart.
• Surrounded by a sophisticated array of dining, fashion and lifestyle retail tenancies, the development will offer the best of modern shopping and entertainment, with character buildings and striking architectural features.
• The historic brick walls, steel portal frames, concrete parapets and rich red tiles of the Hurstmere facade will be combined with new Spanish tiles, shiplap weatherboards, exposed timber rooflines, modern steel and glass shop fronts, and enhanced design elements.
• The open air internal courtyard will be invigorated by dining and entertainment choices, providing a unique outdoor experience, morning through until evening.
• Design features include large retractable Tulip parasols, a living wall, landscaped elements and artwork softening the industrial design – providing a sophisticated outdoor dining experience enhanced by natural, ambient lighting.
• A standalone two-storey restaurant centres the courtyard and can be accessed directly from within the courtyard or the seaward facing promenade to the east.
• Whilst the courtyard’s primary purpose is to support McKenzies food and beverage offerings, its design also allows it to be used for evening events, fashion shows, product launches and industry gatherings – to be controlled by the management company. Character wrought iron bi-folding gates will secure the entrance through McKenzies from Hurstmere Road and The Promenade outside trading hours.

Bringing life and style back to Takapuna.

One man’s insanity.

This has got to be one of the worst cases of willful damage and vandalism to public property in the history of Auckland City and it was all caused by a middle-aged man who has a very dubious history at best. William Murdoch, a former drug addict who was convicted of smuggling ecstasy into New Zealand and the owner of Serenity  Rehab Clinic, is the organiser behind the latest skate comp at the new Victoria Park Skatepark. According to Muckmouth he had no authority to run the event, he also armed children with spray cans to tag the entire park, he himself spray painted the entire area with markers and went as far as to promote his Rehab Clinic and he also gathered his friends to act as security (video footage shows one of them bullying and pushing children around).

Unfortunately this moron lives in my neck of the woods and I for one am not surprised that he has done this but as a rate payer and a person who loves my neighbourhood I demand action from the police and the City Council. The powers-that-be need to make an example of William Murdoch and he should be banned from all skate parks in the Auckland Region. As for the Buffoon (Craig Platt) who bullied and pushed that poor child around and then went on to physically assault another member of the skate park – I hope that charges are laid and he is sent to jail – we have no time and/or space for such douche-bags in our city / community. This also serves as a reminder to landlords who willy-nilly lease their properties out to people with a “history”  without any consideration for their neighbours and the local community – do some homework and get some class. What once was an amazing skatepark is now a mad man’s playground.

P.S. I have emailed the necessary authorities a link to this page and I suggest that you do the same. Now for the proof ….

Vandalism at it's best.

Serenity branding.

A scene that won't look out of place in The Bronx.

Willy's handywork.

Pure crap !

More crap !

Nothing is sacred - even the steps were vandalised.

Art works vandalised.

Only a moron would do this.

More examples of a moron's handy "work".

F'kd.

Unbelievable !

Auckland’s 70 million passenger journeys break patronage records

For the first time in decades public transport usage exceeded 70 million passenger journeys for the last 12 months.  This is the first time Auckland public transport patronage has exceeded 70 million since the 1950’s. The new figures are included in Auckland Transport’s patronage report, released today. It reports a total overall increase in public transport passenger numbers, 70,201,635 million in the 12 months, an increase of 9.6 per cent on last year.

Highlights include:

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February monthly patronage was 5,967,878 an increase of 457,680 boardings or 8.3 per cent on February 2011.

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Rail 12-month patronage to February is 10,925,099 an increase of 1,702,059 boardings or 18.5 per cent.

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Northern Express bus service carried 2,270,667 passenger trips for the 12 months to February 2012 a growth of 15.4 per cent.

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All other buses carried 51,761,880 passenger trips for the 12 months to February 2012 a growth of 7.3 per cent.

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Ferry carried 5,243,989 passenger trips for the 12 months to February 2012 a growth of 12.9 per cent.

Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dr. David Warburton says the patronage figures show strong growth resulting from a full programme of projects and initiatives by Auckland Transport to deliver more quality public transport services to Aucklanders.  “Work is already underway on the $180 million AMETI Panmure project which includes a new bridge for a future busway and major upgrades to Panmure Station.  It will when completed halve the travel time for bus commuters between Botany and downtown. “Exciting news is the announcement of the opening of the first stage of the new Manukau Rail Station in April, the first rail line since the 1930’s,” says Dr. Warburton.

Other initiatives include:

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A ferry timetable trial by Auckland Transport and Fullers has seen patronage increase overall by an average of 86 per cent

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Major improvements to signage, maps and bus stop numbers to help customers easily read and understand bus stop information when travelling around the city.  It includes braille signs for visually impaired passenger.

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The piloting phase for integrated ticketing (HOP). The pilot will begin in April and the full roll-out on all buses, trains and ferries is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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Improvements to public transport information, including new smartphone applications and real time travel information.

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New timetable for buses along Ellerslie-Panmure Highway to the city, with buses every 15 minutes seven days a week.

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Construction of a depot at Wiri for the 57 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains arriving in Auckland between 2013 and 2016, while work on the design and fit-out of the new trains continues. Work also continues to prepare for electrification of the rail network.

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Track work for a planned Parnell Station and major upgrades at Mt Albert, Ellerslie and Papakura stations.

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A major extension of the Albany Park and Ride facility

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Ferry infrastructure developments at Birkenhead, Downtown, Stanley Bay, Bayswater, Half Moon Bay and Hobsonville and new ferry service between Hobsonville and Downtown.

Mayor Len Brown says “70 million trips on public transport are 70 million fewer trips taken by car. That means our roads are less congested. We need to get on with fixing our public transport system to keep up with Auckland’s growth. The Mayor said the Council’s Alternative Transport Funding Sources project was critical to provide modern, first-class public transport facilities and operations to cater for future population and economic growth and the continued increase in passenger transport as demonstrated in the latest figures. “We need to rapidly make up for the chronic under-investment in transport infrastructure and facilities that has dogged the region for decades, if we are to provide a world-class passenger transport network to cater for passenger transport growth,” he said. Existing funding sources fall well short of what is required to provide the facilities and systems to move people and goods efficiently and in a co-ordinated manner by road, rail and sea in greater Auckland.  At least $10-$15 billion of alternative funding is required to meet the transport needs of a rapidly growing population, estimated to be 2.5 million in 2030.

First stage of Manukau Station opens soon.

The first stage of Auckland’s newest train station and the first rail line since the 1930s will open in Manukau on 15 April. When passengers begin using the first stage of the Manukau Station development they will enter through a temporary station entrance to the completed platform areas in a rail trench below ground level. Construction will be continuing above ground on the second stage, a $95 million integrated transport hub and tertiary campus at the Manukau city centre site next to Hayman Park. When complete in 2013, the new station entrance will be on the ground floor of the Manukau Tertiary Centre. When this second stage opens it will have high quality facilities, including a ticket office, with easy connections between trains and buses leaving just outside the station entrance.

Interior of The Manukau Train Station.

Auckland Transport and Auckland Council have partnered with Manukau Institute of Technology in the development. Kiwirail have built the 2km rail line from the Southern Line to Manukau city centre. Auckland Transport, train operator Veolia Transport and Kiwirail are working together on the start of new services to Manukau. For initial services Manukau Station will have three trains an hour in peak times and one train an hour at other times. Buses from Botany, Flat Bush and Redoubt Rd will be extended to Manukau Station, providing a connection between buses and trains. Further bus services will be extended to the station next year, with it expected to eventually become the main bus hub for south Auckland. In the future, about 600,000 passengers a year are expected to use the train station, a similar level to Newmarket, only Britomart will be busier. About 1.2 million people are expected to eventually use the bus station each year.

Auckland Transport Public Transport Operations Manager Mark Lambert says passengers can expect a similar standard of station to New Lynn and Newmarket when the Manukau transport hub is fully complete next year. “What is opening soon is just the beginning of the station development and train services in preparation for the arrival of new electric trains. “Auckland Transport, Veolia and Kiwirail have agreed on a phased introduction of rail services to Manukau. We are continuing to review with Veolia the timetable to see what improvements can be made on other parts of the rail network.” Veolia Transport Managing Director Graham Siberry says says “Everyone is delighted to be helping add a new branch line service and we will work hard to continue to deliver an excellent rail service and grow the network. It’s wonderful to see customers choosing rail in increasing numbers.”

The Mayor says it is great news that trains will soon start running to Manukau city centre. “People can also look forward to a really high quality station building opening next year as part of the Manukau Tertiary Centre. “The Manukau Station and rail line is a classic example of the transport infrastructure that would be built from revenue generated from the Council’s Alternative Transport Funding Sources programme. “Existing funding sources fall well short of what is required to provide the facilities and systems to move people and goods efficiently and in a co-ordinated manner by road, rail and sea in greater Auckland.  At least $10-$15 billion of alternative funding is required to meet the transport needs of a rapidly growing population, estimated to be 2.5million in 2030.”

Plans have been released of the new Waterfront Theatre.

All I can say is – stunning, much needed and please support this campaign. Auckland Theatre Company today launched the website and plans for their swanky new theatre. The Coming of Age campaign will hopefully help build a theatre in the Wynyard Quarter – Auckland’s exciting new business and entertainment district. The redevelopment of the quarter has breathed new life into this historic area and opened a new side of Auckland for its residents and visitors. The new theatre will add an extra dimension to the waterfront and substantially contribute to the ‘after five economy’. Aucklanders and visitors will be able to enjoy dinner, a show, a stroll along the waterfront and much more, all within easy reach of the CBD. Auckland lacks the diversity of venues needed to become a leading creative and cultural hub. The new waterfront theatre will provide a state-of-the art 600-seat space for theatre and dance. It will complement Q on Queen Street, providing a smaller, flexible theatre space, and THE EDGE® providing a host of venues for concerts and theatre. Along with the newly-renovated Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland can truly become a city proud of its cultural infrastructure. As well as being a fantastic asset for Auckland, the benefits of the theatre will also be experienced by New Zealand as a whole. A better arts infrastructure in Auckland will attract more international talent and provide a venue for touring national companies.

A 600-seat theatre has been identified the single greatest priority for Auckland’s performing arts sector. Auckland Theatre Company has launched the Coming of Age campaign to raise the money to build a theatre to meet this need. Auckland Theatre Company will be the anchor tenant, with the new waterfront theatre available for use by national and international theatre, dance and opera companies including:

Royal New Zealand Ballet
Black Grace Dance Company
Auckland Festival
NBR New Zealand Opera

Pledges worth $16.5 million have been made to the project, of the $35 million needed to build the theatre. ASB has also pledged a further $6 million towards shared building costs. Applications have also been submitted to a number of major trusts and foundations, and an application will also be submitted to NZ Lottery Grants Board in due course. Sponsorship for the project is being sought from businesses (both large and small). The Coming of Age public campaign is running alongside the corporate campaign and grant applications. If you are interested in making a donation, please click here. If you would like to become part of the theatre’s Founders’ Club by making a significant capital contribution, please contact Linden Tierney on 09 309 0390 ext. 272. The new waterfront theatre needs the public’s continued support and advocacy for the project. Please visit their Get Involved page for information on how you can voice your support. The majority of the funding needs to be pledged by May in order to secure Auckland Council’s $10 million commitment, which is vital to the success of the project. It is expected ground will be broken in August/September 2012, commencing an 18 month build process. The current projection for the opening of the new waterfront theatre is early 2014.

Day time view from Halsey Street.

Night time view from Halsey Street.

Courtyard and Lane view with ASB HQ on the left.

View from Madden Street looking towards Halsey Street.

Construction is underway on Phase 1 of the AMETI Project.

Construction is now underway in Panmure on one of Auckland’s biggest transport projects, the long awaited $1.5 billion Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI). The $180 million first phase is part of a longer term plan to deal with traffic congestion and poor transport options in Auckland’s south east. A new road cutting ten minutes off the journey time between Glen Innes and Mt Wellington will open in 2014 as part of the first phase. The AMETI area, which includes Panmure, Mt Wellington, Pakuranga, Howick and Botany, has some of the highest traffic flows, highest proportions of freight traffic and greatest levels of congestion anywhere in the country. The two bridges linking the areas across the Tamaki River carry more than 120,000 vehicles a day (more than State Highway One through Victoria Park) and more freight traffic than any other corridor in the country. Future AMETI projects include an urban Busway from Panmure Station to Pakuranga and Botany, a second Panmure Bridge for the Busway, replacing Panmure roundabout with an intersection and a flyover on Reeves Rd to reduce congestion through Pakuranga.

The Mayor marked the start of construction of the Auckland Transport project on the site near Panmure Station this morning (Friday 24 February) with main contractor Fletcher Construction, Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Agency. The first phase of the project is expected to employ up to 300 people at its peak and have economic spin offs, with much of Fletcher’s $100m construction contract spent with local industries. “AMETI is the next big transport initiative we are launching to stop the gridlock and unleash the potential of all of Auckland,” says Len Brown. “When completed it will halve the travel time for bus commuters between Botany and downtown. People in this part of town have been waiting for this for a long time. “Aucklanders know how important initiatives like AMETI and the City Rail Link are. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be seeking feedback on the most appropriate way to fund them long term.”

Panmure Construction Diagram.

Continuing until 2014, it is Auckland Transport’s largest construction project and includes:

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A new bridge built on Ellerslie Panmure Highway for a future busway and the existing bridge replaced. The process for managing traffic while the bridges are built will follow the successful model followed at Newmarket Viaduct, with traffic moved to new bridges as they are built. The bridges will be higher and longer to allow for rail electrification, a new road and a possible future third rail line to pass underneath.

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A 1.5km new road linking Morrin Rd to Mt Wellington Highway and a 220m tunnel for the new road built next to the rail line at Panmure Station. This will be created by building a box with a new road on top for buses and taxis to stop at the station.

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A major upgrade of Panmure Station to create an interchange that allows easy transfers between trains and buses.

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Replacing the Mountain Rd bridge and realigning the road, currently being carried out by Downer.

Completing this phase of construction will reduce traffic so work can begin on a new intersection to replace Panmure roundabout and an urban Busway from Panmure Station to Pakuranga and Botany. The AMETI Busway is expected to have 5.5 million passengers a year, compared to the current 2.2 million using the Northern Busway. Auckland Transport Major Projects Manager Rick Walden says the construction shows major improvements to transport problems are on their way for eastern suburbs residents and businesses. “For example, the new road will take 20,000 vehicles, including 2400 trucks, off the route through Jellicoe Rd, Panmure roundabout and Ellerslie Panmure Highway. It means travelling in peak between Mt Wellington Highway and Glen Innes will be 10 minutes quicker, a much better connection for freight and business traffic. “People can expect to see major construction work focused in the Panmure Station area during the next two years.” “This is a really important project for Fletcher and we are delighted to continue delivering major transport improvements for Aucklanders” says Fletcher Building Construction Group Chief Executive, Graham Darlow. NZTA’s Regional Director, Stephen Town, says the commencement of major works in the eastern suburbs of Auckland is long overdue and the Agency is delighted to be co-investing in this critical transport corridor. The Auckland Council and the NZ Transport Agency are the major funders of AMETI.

For more information go to : AMETI

The new Ormiston Town Centre plan.

Formerly known as Flat Bush Town Centre, the new plan by Todd Property Group Ltd promises to be unique. The master plan has been finalised and its staged construction is likely to begin in the first half of 2013. The town centre will cover 19 hectares of land on the eastern side of the Ormiston Bridge and will be developed into an “integrated” town centre complete with housing, retail outlets, commercial property and community facilities including an aquatic centre and library. The project is estimated to carry a $500 million price tag and is expected to be completed between 2019 and 2022. Todd Property managing director Evan Davies says when finished the town centre will look completely different to other recently developed areas in Auckland. The greenfields development means instead of building around existing structures and infrastructure a whole new plan could be embarked upon. ”It’s a unique opportunity to set a new benchmark,” he says. The development will include between 500 and 700 medium density houses likely to be priced in the $500,000 to $600,000 range. The model of vast structures surrounded by a sea of carparks is no longer what people are asking for, Mr Davies says. ”We’ll attempt to create a version of the old neighbourhood centres scattered around Auckland – it will be a 21st century version of the Mt Eden village.”  I personally love the sound of that.

Aerial photograph.

Context Plan.

Illustrative Masterplan.

Library, cultural and Civic facilities.

Main Street.

Civic Square.

Victoria Street West – fin central ?

You may have heard this mentioned – “Auckland is a one trick pony”. Judging by some of the contemporary architecture (which I feel is already outdated) I am starting to agree. Two new buildings have emerged from fields of waste in Victoria Street West and another is receiving a much needed facelift. You will notice that they all seem to be copies of each other (with slight variations) and they all feature fins. Surely our local architects have the imagination to be more adventurous. Why are they so afraid of colour and afraid to experiment ? Most of us will agree that we are living in a decade where we demand vibrancy, excitement and surprise. They say that the old and conservative Auckland is gone and I am starting to see evidence of this but not when it comes to architecture. Our architects / developers are playing it too safe – broaden your horizons and sell it to the client – that is what good designers do. Push the boundaries and dream big !

162 Victoria Street West

Telecom Place

At 200 Victoria Street West, Mainzeal are refurbing a rather old and weary looking building which will become Mainzeal House.

Mainzeal House - 200 Victoria Street West

Arc en Ciel in Bordeaux, France (by Bernard Buhler) is a classic example of how an architect can push the boundary and create something far more interesting than adding fins. Mainzeal House could be more colourful and way more adventurous, a gateway, but instead we have what we have – something safe, something mediocre. Maybe one day things will progress. We can only hope.

Arc en Ciel by Bernard Buhler.