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Work on the long-awaited Ōrewa seawall is set to start this month.
The first stage will cover the stretch of beach between Kohu Street and Kinloch Reserve, followed by the section south to Marine View.
The $12.5 million seawall contract covers a shared space and beach enhancements at Kinloch Reserve, and construction of the shared walkway between Kohu Street and Marine View. The project includes planting along the walkway and in Kinloch and Kohu Street Reserves, inground lighting, three ramps and five sets of stairs to improve accessibility to the beach. The work is designed to minimise impact on existing vegetation and to protect the pōhutukawa trees currently at threat from erosion.
The finished walkway will preserve public access to the beach, even at high tide when there is limited dry beach available. The erosion-prevention seawall will be 600 metres long and have a grouted rock surface.
Auckland Council general manager parks and community facilities Taryn Crewe said that in a bid to reduce costs, the Ōrewa Walkway and Seawall Project Team had refined the design by reducing its scope, modifying project elements, reducing its complexity and simplifying the structures.
She said that construction costs would be within the budget approved in the Long-term Plan and significantly lower than the original estimate.
Hibiscus and Bays local board chairperson Alexis Poppelbaum said that the local board was pleased that construction of the seawall and walkway was about to begin.
“We have supported the seawall project for a very long time, and it’s been through quite a process, going all the way up to Environment Court.
“Ōrewa Beach faces several challenging erosion issues with this narrow section of the beach, which is at the highest risk of progressive erosion,” Poppelbaum said.
“Our community and visitors need access to the beach and the shared walkway will improve access for a range of people wanting to enjoy the beach.”
The project team worked with Ngāti Manuhiri, and mahi toi elements will be incorporated into the concrete walkway.
Albany Ward Councillor John Watson says Ōrewa beach is one of the jewels in the crown of the Hibiscus Coast, emphasising its importance not only to the local community but also to the wider region.
“The Ōrewa walkway and seawall is a multi-million dollar investment into managing the impacts of coastal erosion to a much-loved area and ensuring public access,” Watson said.
The construction contract has been awarded to JFC Limited (JFC). The project team has indicated that disruption during construction will be minimised even when the foreshore and beach are closed for short periods. Although there will be a fenced site compound on Kinloch Reserve, public access to the beach and car park will not be affected. Part of Kohu Street will also be fenced during construction.
Work will stop over summer period, recommencing next March.
