The Challenge:

There was a need to improve accessibility and connectivity between the waterfront and central downtown areas. The challenge was to deliver a generous and welcoming destination along Auckland city’s water’s edge that is recognisably Tāmaki Makaurau.

The Outcome:

The Downtown Programme is a collaborative plan to revive Auckland’s Waterfront while recognising the importance of fostering a powerful connection to the Waitemata Harbour. The resulting $250M suite of projects includes upgrading public transport facilities and infrastructure elements to improve accessibility and connectivity between the waterfront and central downtown areas. The programme scope also includes the Downtown Ferry Basin redevelopment – six new berths on the west side of Queens Wharf.

Our Involvement:

Resolve Group wrote the strategic case for the full Downtown Programme. This work included developing the proposal for a downtown public transport interchange and preparation of the business case for upgrading the Ferry Terminal Basin, delivered under an exceptionally challenging deadline. We also prepared the business case for the seismic strengthening of the Quay Street seawall, also delivered under an extremely tight deadline to enable completion of works in time for the America’s Cup.

Representing Auckland Transport, Resolve Group acted as the Marine Infrastructure Lead to design and implement the new ferry berths, downtown public spaces and the mooring dolphin.

We participated in the planning of the new downtown public space created in the ferry basin between Princes Wharf and Queens Wharf, and completed the landside safety audit (at both concept and design stage), co-ordinating with marine experts to provide a combined audit report covering passenger safety aspects from vessel to terminal.