WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK - Thames-Coromandel District Council/Council Projects/Curren… · PROJECT...

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WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK REVISED CONCEPT PLAN MAY 2020

Transcript of WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK - Thames-Coromandel District Council/Council Projects/Curren… · PROJECT...

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WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALKREVISED CONCEPT PLAN

MAY 2020

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1 WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK REVISED CONCEPT PLAN BECA

INTRODUCTION

PROJECT PRINCIPLES PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS

This revised report provides an update to the concept package for the proposed Whangamatā coastal boardwalk following further consultation with iwi and feedback received during public consultation over the summer months of 2019/2020 .

Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and the Whangamatā Community Board (The Board) have considered the feedback received, including those submitted through the Annual Plan process and have made the decision to undertake a staged approach to the proposed boardwalk. The economic viability of the project has been considered by TCDC in light of the challenges presented by Covid-19 and balanced with the needs of the community at this time.

The decision has been made to delay the dunes section of the proposed boardwalk and eventual connection to Hunt Road (to form a connection with the town centre) while further details are worked through with iwi and The Department of Conservation (DOC). The Board wish to progress further details on the Esplanade stage only at this time.

The delay will also allow time for the trial of a potential design that is a lighter weight and potentially lower cost structure that does not require piles for dune sections of the boardwalk and reduces the need for earthworks on the dunes (i.e. maintains natural dune form). Further feedback will be invited during the trial to inform future decisions for the boardwalk.

The design brief provided by TCDC for the Whangamatā boardwalk project was to design a formalised walkway as a way to improve access and amenity for all ages and abilities along the coastal edge while allowing for the protection and enhancement of the precious dune environment. The replacement and improvement of existing furniture elements and planting areas is also an important consideration.

Key design principles include;

Safe and ConnectedAllowing for safe, legible and universal access along the coastal edge for all users.

CharacterBuild on the existing sense of place and strengthen the cultural and coastal associations through design elements and interpretative signage and wayfinding.

AccessProvide improved access to and from the beach for all users. The design of the boardwalk will adhere to principles of universal design, be usable by all including the vulnerable, to the greatest extent possible without the need for specialised design. Design considerations include ample width, gentle gradients and smooth transition of surfaces.

Protect and EnhanceProvide formalised beach access to reduce the degradation of the coastal ecology and dune systems. Enhance the dune resilience through new planting.

AmenityEnhance the overall amenity of the area through upgraded facilities, seating, planting, and shade provision.

This will be achieved through the following actions;

• The staged development of the boardwalk along the coastal edge• The establishment of new nodes along the boardwalk that will work as rest stops,

facilitate small gatherings and feature new furniture elements

The New Zealand Coastal Policy StatementThe NZCPS applies in the coastal environment and is a relevant policy document to assess as part of considering the effects of the boardwalk on the coastal environment. In particular it contains direction around the protection of indigenous biodiversity in the coastal environment (Policy 11) and promotes the provision of practical and safe walking access to and along the coast (Policy 19).

Land StatusThe land the proposed boardwalk is located on is a Marginal Strip administered by DOC on behalf of the Crown and is not owned, managed or controlled under any formal arrangement by Thames Coromandel District Council. No construction will occur until discussions with iwi have been completed and a formal application has been made to, and approved by DOC.

Design InfluenceThe design for the boardwalk is influenced by the landscape and cultural context surrounding the site including the dune system and coastal environment. Consideration is also needed for residents who are located in close proximity to any proposed development.

There are several events that occur on the esplanade lawn area throughout the year that were taken into account when developing the boardwalk alignment.

Further integration of relevant cultural stories and elements will be expanded on as the project progresses.

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BECA WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK REVISED CONCEPT PLAN 2

STAGE 1

FUTURE STAGE/S

CONFIRMED

TO BE CONFIRMED

Wheelchair accessible boardwalk route along the esplanade with improved amenity and furniture elements - refer to the revised concept plan on page 4

Simplified approach - Align the boardwalk with existing well used track to reduce impact on the dune character and areas of established ecology. Remove additional elements such as break out areas and furniture to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour - refer to text on page 3 for more information

OVERALL PROJECT PLANN

HUNT RD

WINIFRED AVE

PORT RD

BARBA

RA AV

E

PORT RD

OCEAN RD

BEVERLEY TCE

RANFU

RLY RD

MOOLOO CRES

ST PATRICKS ROW

ESPLANADE DR

LOW

E ST

GRA

HAM

ST

SURF CLUB

WILLIAMSON PARK

HUNT RD CARPARK

ST PATRICKS ROW RESERVE

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Feedback was sought on the proposed concept plan issued in December 2019 and provided two route alignment options. The principle of whether the project should be prioritised and budgeted for was consulted on with the community thorough the 2018-2028 Long-Term Plan process. This process included opportunity for submissions, public hearings and final deliberation by TCDC.

TCDC received a total of 409 submissions over the consultation period between 1 and 31 January 2020. Overall, 60% of submissions supported the proposal with 40% opposed.

All submissions can be viewed on TCDC’s website: https://docs.tcdc.govt.nz/store/default/6244340.

Below is a snap shot of the common elements captured in the feedback, both in support of and opposition to the proposal;

Support

An asset for the communityThe proposed boardwalk will improve the existing coastal experience and be a well used community asset.

Will protect the dune environmentEncouraging people to stick to one clear path will reduce the damage done to the dunes by random movement across them.

Allow for greater accessibilityAllows for more users to access and enjoy the coast including vulnerable people such as the elderly, the young and physically disabled.

Opportunity for cultural elements and interpretationAn opportunity for local iwi to tell their stories and feed into the design of the boardwalk and other elements along the coast.

Opposition

Detrimental effect on the dunesThe proposed Boardwalk will have a detrimental effect on the natural character and values of the existing dune system.

Sea level riseThe boardwalk will be subject to coastal erosion.

SecurityMore people using the walkway will generate more anti-social behaviour.

Increased useThe Boardwalk will be used by more people on bikes, scooters, skateboards who will leave rubbish and create noise.

Reduced privacy for adjoining land ownersThe Boardwalk will be used by more people resulting in less privacy for adjoining land owners.

Following public and iwi engagement and further ecological inputs, the following design responses are proposed:

Stage the projectSplit the boardwalk project into stages, creating; 1) a wheelchair accessible route along the esplanade with improved furniture and amenity elements - to be undertaken in the 2020/21 financial year, and 2) a simplified approach to a boardwalk through the dune section, removing the initially proposed seating areas - to be undertaken in future years.

Simplify inputs for future dunes stage/sAlign the boardwalk with existing well used track through the dunes to reduce impact on the dune character and areas of established ecology. Remove additional elements such as break out areas and furniture to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour.

Explore alternative design and construction approaches Explore and test alternative design and construction methodologies to find low impact and potentially cost-effective outcomes that will provide a high quality, long lasting product.

Alter the proposed alignmentShift the boardwalk to the top of the sand bank along the esplanade where most people want to walk and remove the need to change the dune profile.

Provide a formalised edge along Esplanade DriveCreate a formal concrete footpath along the seaward side of Esplanade Drive between the two existing kerbs.

Retain existing beach accessesKeep the same accesses along the esplanade at the same angle to retain and enhance existing dune planting and direct beach access.

FEEDBACK & DESIGN RESPONSE

CONSISTENT THEMES IDENTIFIED DESIGN RESPONSE

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BECA WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK REVISED CONCEPT PLAN 4

REVISED CONCEPT PLAN N

ESPLANADE DRIVE

SCALE1 5m 10m 100m

Extent of works

Existing furniture items to be removed

Existing furniture items to be retained

New Furniture

New trees

Potential interpretative signage opportunity

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2

3

4

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Node 1: Surf Club - Start of new 3m wide boardwalk connecting to existing boardwalk in place at Williamson Park, providing an accessible connection point. Opportunity for cultural integration though public artwork, interpretative signage and wayfinding

Existing staircase to either be improved or removed and replaced with timber stairs connecting the road edge to the boardwalk

New concrete path at road level fills in the existing gap between road/grass and provides a functional edge for people unloading cars

Secondary node: Accessible path connection from carpark to top of the dune system with accessible picnic table

Node 2: Graham St - Amenity node that features seating and shower. Opportunity for interpretative signage and wayfinding and accessible connection from carpark

Future boardwalk extension

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2

3

4

5

6

6

typical x-section 1

typical x-section 2

visualisation 2

visualisation 1

GRAHAM ST

LOWE ST

REVISED CONCEPT PLAN N

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TITLE

View looking North along the beach. The proposed new alignment for the boardwalk follows the already well worn path through the esplanade area. New furniture is positioned along the dune edge and around the key nodes. The boardwalk could be bookended by cultural markers as shown in the foreground near the surfclub node

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VISUALISATION 1

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TITLEVISUALISATION 2

View of Node 2 - an amenity node that features seating, planting and an upgraded shower on a timber platform. Interpretative signage / wayfinding could be incorporated into the node as shown. This node will serve as a connection point for future boardwalk stages

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ESPLANADE DRIVE PROMENADE

The revised esplanade section utilises the existing pedestrian desire-line on top of the grass embankment for the boardwalk alignment. This reduces the amount of earthworks required and provides users the best view of the beach as they walk along the esplanade. A new concrete path at the road level fills in the existing gap between road/grass and provides a more functional edge for people unloading cars. Disabled access will be provided at key nodes to compliment disabled car parking.

TYPICAL X-SECTION 1

1.8m wide concrete path(existing width from kerb to kerb)

Full height kerb to restrict vehicles

Furniture zone

Potential boardwalk construction methodology - decking, on joists, on bearers, on driven piles - methodology to be confirmed during detailed design

Existing bollard and rope line remains

Enhanced dune planting (funded separately)

0.5m wide flat berm

Potential alternative construction approach - a lightweight adaptable structure utilising semi-flexible wire rope to join

treated timber decking, separated with spacers. This approach will be tested as part of a trial beach access route used near

the surfclub

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BECA WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK REVISED CONCEPT PLAN 8

Potential alternative construction approach - a more lightweight adaptable structure. This approach

will be tested as a part of a trial used at the beach access route near the surfclub

OPEN GRASSED RESERVE

The 3m wide boardwalk follows the back of the dune edge, providing views along the coast north-south. This alignment retains the open lawn space for passive recreation and allows small events and gatherings to continue happening here.

TYPICAL X-SECTION 2

Existing bollard and rope line remains

Potential boardwalk construction methodology - decking, joists, backfilled sand - methodology to be confirmed during detailed design

Existing lawn space remains the same

Potential alternative construction approach - a lightweight adaptable structure utilising semi-flexible wire rope to join

treated timber decking, separated with spacers. This approach will be tested as part of a trial beach access route used near

the surfclub

Enhanced dune planting (funded separately)

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9 WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK REVISED CONCEPT PLAN BECA

Note: All furniture to feature galvanised, stainless or similar fixings appropriate for the coastal conditions

FURNITURESURFACES

Macrocarpa / steel bench seat with back Drinking fountain with dog bowlConcrete - decorative shallow exposed aggregate

Macrocarpa / steel picnic set

Timber / steel rubbish bin Dual showerTimber decking

PLANTING AND MATERIAL PALETTE

DUNE PLANTING TREE PLANTING

Metrosideros excelsa ‘Pohutukawa’Spinifex sericeus ‘Kowhangatara’

Juncus krausii Muehlenbeckia complexa ‘Scrambling Pohuehue’

Ficinia spiralis ‘Pingao’