Call to get on board with ideas for Akaroa wharf design

People are being asked to put forward design ideas for a new Akaroa wharf.

Wharf users and community members can share their views at two drop-in sessions at the Akaroa Bowling Club, Rue Jolie, Akaroa, on Wednesday, 12 June between 1pm and 3pm and on Thursday, 13 June between 6pm and 8pm.

Any ideas or suggestions on which wharf facilities are most important to local residents or best meet community needs – along with areas for improvement – can also be made between Tuesday, 28 May and Wednesday, 26 June via the Akaroa Wharf page on the Christchurch City Council Have Your Say webpage, or by completing and posting the feedback form to the Council.

Design ideas are being sought for a new wharf.

The 130-year-old wharf was originally built for coastal shipping. However, wharf use has changed over the years to mirror the needs and interests of the local Banks Peninsula community.

Banks Peninsula Community Board Chairperson Pam Richardson says any new wharf design must meet the community’s needs for at least the next 100 years.

“We want everyone to contribute to the concept design process as we deliver the best facilities for future use,” Mrs Richardson says.

“This is a rare opportunity to better meet the needs of a wider and more diverse group of users.

“We want to improve the overall use and functionality of the wharf, and need a wide range of community views to achieve the best outcome.”

Council staff are collating information on the condition of the present wharf, including the impact on conservation and the environment of any new structure to help inform the design process.

This information will be regularly updated on the Have Your Say page.

Any proposed concept design for a new wharf will then be available for public feedback next year.

At present, the wharf is used by locals, visitors and business operators for a combination of commercial fishing, tourism, cruise ship transfers and recreational activities.

In September last year, a condition assessment revealed structural issues with the wharf.

As a result, it was recommended that the wharf be replaced. In the meantime, repairs are under way to ensure the current structure is fit for use.