​ A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine our waterfront

Mayor Nick and your Council have recently established the Nelson Waterfront Redevelopment Taskforce to move forward with a vision and plan for the Haven Road and Wakefield Quay precinct in order to create a vibrant, exciting and inclusive waterfront area. Great progress is already being made, and we achieved a significant milestone two weeks ago by acquiring the Customhouse building – what has been described as the remaining piece of the property puzzle. This means Council, on your behalf, owns 10 parcels of land from Collins Street to Wakefield Quay encompassing, amongst others, the Reliance Engineering, Four Seasons and Anchor buildings.

It is about resilience. The waterfront redevelopment will be one of the most important renewal and regeneration projects ever undertaken in our city. Many considerations and factors will come into play, including sustainability, quality design, mixed use, access, and the overall configuration and orientation. We want to revitalise and reinvigorate, encourage people to visit and spend time on their waterfront. There will be a wide range of activities and places to enjoy, which in turn will have numerous economic and social benefits. We want to establish public spaces and infrastructure within the waterfront area, retain and reuse where possible, but also add and develop where required with a mix of public and private commercial opportunities.

It is all about connection and community. A continuous connection between the city and the sea is a priority for your Council. Linking the Maitai walkway/cycleway, city centre and other key destinations such as the Nelson Marina, Port Nelson, the proposed Nelson Fish Market and, ultimately, continuing the Millennium Promenade to Tāhunanui Beach.

It is about making the most of what we have. Nelson's sea vista, hills, and mountains are some of the most impressive landscapes and settings in New Zealand, if not the world. We need to see and celebrate it. Members of the Waterfront Redevelopment Taskforce are energised and committed. We are passionate and looking forward to telling the stories of this place we are all so proud to call home, creating a thriving destination and an attraction, enhancing public amenities and values, and improving sightlines to the Haven as the jewel in Nelson's crown. There is the potential to create a very special place where cherished memories can be made.