In the 2014 year the ARA secured a resource consent to undertake the establishment of boat ramp, hardstands, pontoons and buildings on the Waiouru Peninsula, Highbrook. In parallel significant effort was invested in fundraising the estimated $1.8m to undertake the first stage of works.
In the 2015 year, with funding secured, the decision was made to tender the stage 1 works, and proceed with construction. Land & Civil Engineering (formerly Projenz) were appointed as project managers, and Sureway Civil Limited were awarded the Stage 1 construction contract. The contract included a number of challenging aspects including:
- a significant retaining wall which protects Auckland’s major gas supply main
- a 60m long concrete ramp accessing the channel, which needed to be formed and poured across multiple Spring low tides. The boat ramp also includes elements necessary for the later installation of a pontoon structure
- archaeological investigation and relocation of various historic places listed sites
- harvesting and formulation of mudcrete for undertaking foreshore armouring water margin.
Practical Completion of the Stage 1 works was achieved May 2016. The two photos below illustrate the progress to date.
Concurrent with the Stage 1 Works, the ARA called for tenders to undertake a design-build contract for Stage 2: establishment of pontoons. A preferred tenderer was been identified. In parallel, work has been ongoing to secure funding. Approximately 80% of funding has been provisionally secured, and positive preliminary meetings held with funders with respect to securing the balance. Discussions have been held with the preferred tenderer to divide the works into separable portions matching available funding. This would allow Separable Portion 1 to proceed within the next 3 months.
The ARA have also been undertaking preliminary works towards Stage 3 of the project: building construction. Discussions have been held with funders regards funding of the consultant and council costs to progress the building design, and receipt of engineering and building consents. Preliminary discussions have also been held with larger funders with respect to future funding of capital works.
The ARA target for the 2017/2018 year is to:
- complete the pontoon construction
- secure funding for Stage 3 design and consents
- commence stage 3 design, with prospect of having consents lodged
