Hobson Wharf
March 2019
Hobson Wharf is being extended to house the Challenger of Record’s base. We’re using a 63-metre-long barge, with a 400-tonne-crane on top of it, to install piles that will support a concrete deck. The Challenger of Record will then build their syndicate base on top. We’ll then install berths, fenders (bumpers to stop boats colliding with the berth) and lighting for the base.
We’re also installing berths along Eastern Viaduct to house the fleet of J-class sailing yachts that traditionally attend each America’s Cup event.
To minimise the impact of waves coming from ferries and other vessels, we have constructed a breakwater (an on-water barrier) on the western side of Hobson Wharf.
Works will be completed by November 2019, when Hobson Wharf will be handed over to the Challenger of Record to begin constructing their syndicate base.
We’re also building another breakwater on the eastern side of Hobson Wharf to protect the New Zealand Maritime Museum’s collection. This will be completed in late 2019.
Halsey Wharf
February 2019
Halsey Wharf is home to Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ). They have taken over the Viaduct Events Centre and converted it to their syndicate base. In May 2019, we completed installing the berths for the base, which allows ETNZ’s boats to launch.
Dredging works in the outer Viaduct Harbour have made the area deep enough for boats to access. This work started at the entrance channel and moved across the harbour from west to east. Barges were used to move the dredged material for disposal. This dredging work was completed in June 2019, so ETNZ is able to launch their race boats.
Wynyard Point
On the eastern side of Wynyard Point, Wynyard Wharf is being transformed to house five challenger syndicate bases. We’re constructing concrete platforms to house each of the bases. This work will be done in two stages:
Construction for first three bases – those closest to Wynyard Point – will start in April 2019 and be completed mid-2019
Construction for the final two bases will begin in late 2019 – once the remaining tanks have been cleared – and will be finished in early 2020.
We’re building berths, fencing and lighting for these bases. At the end of each stage, the platforms will be handed over to the challenger teams to begin construction of their syndicate bases.
We’re installing bridges from the bases on Wynyard Point across to Wynyard Wharf to allow teams to launch their boats. Piles are being drilled into the channel between the Point and Wharf to hold the bridges. This work will start in April 2019 and be completed early 2020.
Wynyard Wharf has been undergoing repairs since September 2018. These are strengthening the Wharf, so it can hold the weight of the construction equipment, and eventually the base cranes that will launch the racing boats.
Wynyard Basin
April 2019
Most of Wynayrd Basin is being dug out through dredging to make it deep enough for the boats to access. Dredging is taking place in May 2019, with the south-west corner being done in October 2019.
To control waves and create a calm environment for the boats, three breakwaters are being installed on either side of Wynyard Basin. Two of these will be on the end of Halsey Wharf, while the other will be built off Wynyard Wharf.
We’re installing fenders (bumpers to stop boats colliding with the berth) and furniture on the breakwater off Wynyard Wharf, which will be available to the public access.