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A Yachting NZ high performance sailing centre, proposed for a site in Gulf Harbour, is back on the table.
The idea was first floated in 2016, potentially for the Hammerhead, after two sites proposed for Takapuna had been rejected by that community’s local board. That earlier Gulf Harbour proposal also never eventuated.
Yachting NZ chief executive David Abercrombie and chair Greg Knowles put the latest scheme before the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board at its meeting on June 25. They were asking for the board’s support, as Yachting NZ needs council approval to sub-lease the land where they want to build the centre.
The location is roughly opposite the Hammerhead, on the other side of the breakwater from where Hoppers Developments is proposing to build a marina and public boat ramp (HM May 20).
Abercrombie and Knowles described the concept as a 1000sqm centre, with around 20 full time staff. It would support national and international athletes and sailing clubs, provide a chance to host regattas, offer training and a programme for schools.
A well as support from Yachting NZ, funding would be sought from Sport NZ, private investors and sponsors.
Abercrombie told the board that the 1.05ha piece of land where Yachting NZ wants to build the centre has already been gifted to the organisation by Gulf Harbour marina owner, Covington Group Holdings.
However, he said they recently found out that it is an esplanade reserve. These are strips of land, usually along a coastline, which provide public access – in the same way as the Queen’s Chain. While that may complicate the process, Abercrombie says there are plenty of examples of builds on esplanade reserves.
Several local board members were supportive of having a sports facility like this on the Hibiscus Coast, but deputy chair Julia Parfitt said that the esplanade reserve designation was a key issue to clarify first. She asked council staff to investigate the legal status of the land and report back to the board.
“This may not be Covington Group’s land to gift – in fact it could be a council parks asset,” she said.
Around a year ago, Auckland Councillors John Watson and Wayne Walker were approached by Yachting NZ for their views on the latest site proposal.
Cr Watson said they were both of the view that the land was not suitable, taking into account sea level rise, the need for continued public access, drainage issues with a nearby stream and slips and subsidence on the cliff on the eastern side of the accessway.
“It’s a very poor choice, with limited access to what is a sensitive piece of land,” Watson said. “We will be following the process closely once it comes to the governing body for approval of any sub-lease.”
He said there were also related issues with any development that might, at times, require additional space and facilities – that may be incompatible for example with the use of the Hammerhead for park and ride, boat launching and general recreational use.
Abercrombie told the board there would be no blockage of public access, and that the comings and goings of boats would be worked around the ferry timetable in consultation with Auckland Transport.
“We are also very aware of global warming and the environment,” he said. “Warren & Mahoney will be the architects and they will take sea level rise into account. And of course we will need council consents, which will also take all that into account.”
He said the benefits for the community would include improved public launching facilities at the Hammerhead, as well as economic and educational spin offs.
Yachting NZ expects completion of the centre could take three years once all the necessary leases and licences are obtained.
Covington Group was approached for comment.
