Council tomorrow considers the draft masterplan for the iconic waterfront on Wakefield Quay and Haven Road. This area has a vista as beautiful as anywhere in the world. The problem is its poor access, neglected buildings and lack of a plan for its future.
Redeveloping this area is part of Council’s broader ambition to better connect our city to the sea and to grow the maritime focus of our industry, tourism and recreation. We want to create an iconic waterfront precinct for people to swim, kayak, manu (water jump), walk, bike and relax.
The proposals include a new walking and cycling pathway positioned away from the busy highway and adjacent to the sea. The addition of about 50 carparks is also proposed at the northern end where the former Reliance Engineering and Four Seasons buildings have recently been demolished. The most exciting proposal is the creation of a new area for swimming and light watercraft immediately south of the Sealord Marine Rescue Centre with large steps into the water, changing rooms, toilets, shelter and a new hospitality space.
Our biggest challenge is what we do with the three heritage buildings Council owns – the Customhouse, Anchor and Nelson Electricity buildings, which need strengthening and refurbishing. The latter two have been empty for years. Council has previously sought expressions of interest for their redevelopment but to no avail. Our ambition is to find a use that helps activate the area.
Revitalising this waterfront is unfinished business. I was involved 25 years ago in setting up the Nelson 2000 Trust that developed the Early Settlers Memorial, Friendship Walk, Styx/Guytons building and the historic seawall. The Trust left $165,000 that is funding this work on the draft masterplan.
Money is tight but it is poor economics to leave our stunning waterfront derelict and unused. There are difficult trade-offs between cost, heritage and how quickly we progress.
We welcome your input on this draft masterplan at the 9 October Yacht Club public meeting, Saturday Market on 10 October and pop-up sessions on the waterfront with submissions by 2 November. Working together, we can transform our waterfront into an iconic place for all to enjoy.
