Mangonui waterfront boardwalk concept endorsed

The Far North District Council intends to include a timber boardwalk in the Mangonui waterfront redevelopment project as a result of representations made by the local community.


Final design work is currently being completed for the boardwalk which will extend the length of the redevelopment area below the existing extensions to the waterfront road and parking area.


General Manager for District Facilities Alastair Wells said today the proposed changes to the original design including the boardwalk had been approved by both the community-based working party set up to monitor the project and by a public meeting held at Mangonui earlier this month.


"As soon as the design has been finalized we will seek indicative prices and go through the process of getting funding in place. Just how quickly construction can start will depend on ongoing discussions with stakeholders and consent authorities," he said.


Mr Wells said it was too early to say what the proposed boardwalk would add to the overall cost of the project, but it was likely to be in excess of $500,000.


It was proposed to mount the boardwalk on timber piles, in keeping with existing structures in the area which extended over the water. The boardwalk would be below the level of the existing concrete extensions.


The three-metre-wide timber walkway was being designed to include timber steps along the full length.


"The steps will serve the dual purpose of providing access and providing seating for users seeking to picnic in the area or simply to take in the water views. Ramps will also be installed at three locations to provide for disabled access," he said.


Mr Wells said the cost of other improvements including reducing the angle at which the new concrete platform protruded, were expected to be covered within the existing contract.


"We are hoping the design of the new boardwalk will eliminate the necessity for the existing metal safety fencing. However the cost of the fence will not be wasted as it is intended to reuse the materials on other Council projects," he said.