West Quay
West Quay is a fabulous blend of old and new.
The waterfront area along West Quay is being redeveloped with new bars and apartments.
West Quay has a fabulous nightlife and is also a very popular area on weekends, with many sightseers and children fishing off the jetties and wharves.
The marine facilities are very basic, providing a range of berth sizes for small yachts to large trawlers. It is home to the local commercial fishing fleet.
West Quay Re-development
The area was coming under increasing pressure from developers wanting to capitalise on the distinct character and waterfront location of Ahuriri. The consultation also highlighted the need for improved traffic networks in West Quay to manage the large amount of heavy traffic in the area.
A design team was put together to prepare a concept plan for West Quay with the aim of reducing heavy vehicles, improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety, while still taking into account the mix of activities in the area, including industrial, commercial, and residential.
After extensive consultation final designs were completed.
Stage 1 of roading improvements featured a narrowing and slight alteration of the course of West Quay. The realignment of the road subsequently allowed space for Shed 2 Restaurant and Bar to construct an outdoor deck.
Several other businesses along West Quay have expressed an interest in establishing similar outdoor dining areas. Each is anticipated to be designed in a manner having regard to the West Quay area's historic qualities. Stage 2 of roading improvements will involve the construction of further slow points, reducing vehicle speed and further discouraging heavy vehicles from traveling along West Quay. Stage 3 involves improvements to the foreshore, including landscaping and structural improvements to several of the wharves in the vicinity.
West Quay Design Team
The Council recognises the need for specialist design input to ensure that the existing character of the West Quay Zone is not compromised by any future developments. A West Quay Project Design Team has been established and includes experts in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, art and engineering, together with experience in dealing with historical and cultural issues. The team has access to other specialist expertise such as traffic engineering and lighting design. The Design Team's role is two-fold.
- To assist the NCC with the streetscape design for West Quay in consultation with Council's planning and engineering staff and traffic design consultants.
- In response to a Resource Consent application, to provide appropriate pre-consent advice to potential developers of properties in the precinct in order to meet Council's objectives outlined in the statutory content above.
A developer is not obliged to involve the Design Team in preparing a proposal, but doing so at the outset is likely to streamline the consent process and achieve a more coherent application proposal. This can be shown to be beneficial to both the developer and the wider community.
Building and Land Development in West Quay.
Any additions, alterations, demolition or removal of buildings within the West Quay waterfront zone require resource consent approval, in accordance with Rules in the District Plan prepared under the Resource Management Act.
The following Resource Management issues have been identified in the District Plan as significant in this zone:
- The ability for the area to retain its traditional uses
- The effects of possible redevelopment on the architectural and heritage features of West Quay
- The incompatibility between heavy vehicle movements and activities along West Quay
- The noise environment in the area and its impact on the various activities which take place
- The effects of the demand for retailing on West Quay
- Recognition of the relationship of the hapu/iwi with the natural and physical resources
Each Resource Consent application is considered on its merits and in terms of the effect it would have on the distinct character and function of the area.
The location of the proposed development, building style, availability of parking and noise levels are all key factors in the decision-making, as well as colour, lighting and safety.
In addition to the involvement of the Design Team, Council refers all resource consent applications to a Heritage Architect for comment and advice.
Tangata whenua are considered an affected party for any resource consent in this zone, and any development involving the physical disturbance of the ground in West Quay requires the consent of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
The Resource Consent Process
There is a specific procedure to follow when applying for resource consent to alter or demolish a building within the West Quay waterfront zone. The procedure aims to streamline the process and protect the distinct character which makes the area so special.
- A preliminary development proposal is prepared, including a description of the proposed works, location, use etc. and presented to the Napier City Council Planning Department.
- Planning staff explain the process and documentation involved in gaining resource consent provide a copy of these guidelines and offer availability of the Design Team for advice. The Developer is given a copy of the West Quay video to view as background information.
- The Developer meets with the Design Team to discuss the proposal and any possible issues. It would be desirable for the developer to have appointed a suitable designer and for that person to attend the initial briefing / discussion session.
- Development proposal which complies with NCC requirements is prepared in consultation with the Design Team and NCC staff. This phase may require several working sessions during which design alternatives are discussed and details are worked through. The onus is on the developer to provide the necessary design input in consultation with the Design Team.
- Application for Resource Consent is submitted.
- Developed proposal is forwarded to the Heritage Architect for comment.
- Application is modified / approved and development work proceeds.
Note: The category of resource consent is a discretionary activity.
Council has not restricted the exercise of its discretion to any particular matters and the application will be assessed according to the matters set down in Section 104 of the Act.
|
SUBSCRIBE
TO NEWSLETTER 
