WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK CONCEPT PLAN Council/Council...coastal dune boardwalk. The proposed design is based on direction and feedback from Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and

WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALKCONCEPT PLAN

DECEMBER 2019

WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK CONCEPT PLAN BECA

Revision No. Prepared By Description Date

A Emma Stiven / Chris Judd Draft to client 28/11/2019

B Emma Stiven / Chris Judd Final issue 13/12/2019

C Emma Stiven / Chris Judd Revised Final issue 19/12/2019

Action Name Signed Date

Prepared by Emma Stiven / Chris Judd 19/12/2019

Reviewed by Tom Abbott 19/12/2019

Approved by Jeremy Cooke 19/12/2019

on behalf of Beca Ltd.

Revision History

Document Acceptance

This document should be printed double sided at A3.

Images in this document: Unless otherwise noted, drawings, illustrations, photos and other images have been provided directly by Beca. In all other instances, best efforts have been made to reference the image to its original source.

© Beca 2019 (unless Beca has expressly agreed otherwise with the Client in writing). This report has been prepared by Beca on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client’s use for the purpose for which it is intended in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by any person contrary to the above, to which Beca has not given its prior written consent, is at that person’s own risk.

BECA WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK CONCEPT PLAN

CONTENTS

Introduction 1

Context 3

Analysis 5

Site images 7

Concept development 9

Layout plan 11

Concept plan 12

Visualisation 1 13

Visualisation 2 14

Typical X-section 15

Features 18

Material palette 19

Plant palette 20

1 WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK CONCEPT PLAN BECA

INTRODUCTION

PROJECT PURPOSE PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS

This report provides a concept level design package for the proposed Whangamatā coastal dune boardwalk. The proposed design is based on direction and feedback from Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and will support the approval of the associated budget for the project under the long-term plan.

The concept and high level costing will be reviewed by TCDC for approval before the project moves to detailed design phase.

The design brief provided by TCDC for the Whangamatā boardwalk project entails the design of a boardwalk along Esplanade Reserve and the dune system to improve access and amenity for all ages and abilities. The existing furniture elements throughout the reserve will be reviewed and any proposed upgrades included in the concept package.

Key design outcomes include;

Safe and Connectedallowing for safe, legible, well-lit access along the coastal edge.

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 and local streets for all users.

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 a timber boardwalk that will extend from the Whangamata Surf Club to Mooloo Crescent.

• Establishment of 5 new nodes along the boardwalk that will work as rest stops and feature new furniture

• Reducing the number of beach accesses along the esplanade will support the regeneration of the dune system.

The design for Whangamata is influenced by the landscape context surrounding the reserve 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 elements will be expanded on as the project progresses.

BECA WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK CONCEPT PLAN 2


CONTEXT

Whangamatā Beach is located in the popular holiday township of Whangamatā along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Whangamatā (meaning obsidian harbour) features a coastal landscape with both harbour, estuary and ocean frontage. The town is known for it’s popular surf break off the main beach which stretches from the town centre, south along residential properties to the surf club and down to the Otahu River. Whangamatā has a permanent population of 3500 but this can increase to around 60,000 in peak summer periods.

Māori settlement in the Whangamatā area dates back over 600 years. During a period of warfare in the early 1800’s, surviving tribes fled inland for safety leaving the area with no permanent population. European settlement of the area began soon after in the mid 1800’s, with Whangamatā township established in the 1870’s. The main use for land during this time was gum-digging, logging and gold-mining with a workforce of up to 300 gold prospectors beginning to mine the district surrounding Whangamatā in 1887. Large development occurred during the 1930’s to 1950’s, as land was subdivided and residential housing built.

Significant landscape features in the area include the offshore island group, Hauturu, Rawengaiti, Whenuakura and Maukaha. These islands have been identified as Outstanding Landscape Areas (OLA’s), and are prominent features in the coastal landscape. Whenuakura has gained popularity in recent years due to it’s internal lagoon, hence it’s alternative name ‘Donut Island’. This can be accessed through kayaking or paddle-boarding and is a popular tourist attraction. The island has been made a wildlife sanctuary and is the ancestral home of Ngā Marama. Iwi are the kaitiaki of the island group and Whenuakura is a very spiritual place to local iwi and many Whangamatā locals.

The two water channels that book-end Whangamatā Beach, Otahu River and Whangamatā Harbour, have been identified as Amenity Landscape Areas (ALA’s) to ensure the values they contribute are protected. There are two small pockets of Significant Natural Area’s (SNA’s) along Whangamatā Beach which have been designated to ensure the protection of significant indigenous habitat for flora and fauna.

Along the Whangamatā beach front there are several reserves that open up to the dune system including Williamson Park, a large reserve near the Surf Club. Williamson Park underwent redevelopment in 2016 to include a new boardwalk along the dunes in front of the surf club area and the opening of new pedestrian areas to improve access to the beach.

The grass area that runs adjacent to Esplanade Drive and along the dune system to the west of the Surf Club, is a popular area for people to park and access the beach via the large number of beach accesses. The esplanade then opens up to a larger lawn area which features picnic tables BBQ’s and a shower, often used for hosting events including surf competitions.


HAUTURU ISLANDSURF CLUB

ESPLANADE OPEN SPACE

ISLAND VIEW RESERVE

WILLIAMSON PARK

WHANGAMATĀ GOLF COURSE

PARK AVENUERESERVE

WHANGAMATĀ AREA SCHOOL

TE KARAKA POINT

WHANGAMATĀ HARBOUR

MOANAANUANUESTUARY

WHANGAMATĀ

WHANGAMATĀ OCEAN SPORTS CLUB

COASTGUARD RESERVE

TRAILER PARK RESERVE

WHANGAMATĀ WHARF

WENTWORTH RIVER

OTAHU RIVER

TUNAITI

MAUKAHA ISLAND

WHENUAKURA ISLAND

RAWENGAITI ISLAND

TE TEKO ROCKS

SH25

N

WHANGAMATĀ MOTOR CAMP

Legend

Amenity landscape area (ALA)

Significant natural area (SNA)

Outstanding landscape area (OLA)

State Highway 25

Walking tracks

Pepe Reserve extent


CONSTRAINTSOPPORTUNITIES

• The grade of the grassed area between carpark and dune varies and is steep towards the centre due to historic sand movement.

• There are a number of residential properties along the boundary of the site that should be considered.

• The dune system near St Patrick's Row is constantly changing and eroding.

• The dune system is in a cycle of renewal resulting in a build up of sand on the carpark side of the dune system. This often leads to sand blown into neighbouring properties.

• Tree damage occurs to trees and vegetation along the beachfront.

• There is a double kerb between carpark and grassed area that contains no planting or mulch.

General:

• Safety and surveillance throughout the site.

• High use seasonal demand with competing demands that require flexibility.

• The site has high foot traffic along the top of the grassbank adjacent to Esplanade Drive and through the dune system. A boardwalk would formalise access and reduce erosion.

• There is an opportunity to restore and improve the dunes through angling the beach access pathways and reducing the number. This would reduce erosion and windblown sand affecting residential properties. The dunes will be revegetated and restored, with pedestrian access limited to the rationalized access points.

• The furniture suite can be upgraded to improve amenity and align with the recent Williamson Park upgrades. This will include accessible furniture.

• Pedestrians can be moved away from residential boundaries along the length of the site to provide views of the beach for walkers and added privacy for residents.

• A node has the potential to be developed near the picnic area at the end of esplanade under the pohutukawas with shower and additional seating.

• A node could also be created at Beach Access 7 beside Saint Patrick's Row.

• The existing large Pohutukawa trees provide extensive shade over the picnic area and should be protected.

General:

• The boardwalk will provide access for all ages and abilities.

• There is an opportunity to explore lighting features along the boardwalk.

• The Whangamatā area contains significant cultural and natural values to Mana Whenua that create an opportunity to thread cultural narratives throughout the design and site.

• Different experience zones can be found along the length of the site as you move from carpark to park to dune system which can be reflected through the furniture and nodes

• The creation of pause points and lookouts through the dune system.

A topographic survey was undertaken on site in October 2019 and a site visit and visual survey followed this in early November 2019. The following analysis has been taken from the survey, site visit and a desktop study of the site and surrounding area.

The esplanade and dune area along Whangamatā’s beachfront is a prominent and well-used public space in Whangamatā. The site is a linear area from the surf club building to 217 Esplanade Drive which comprises of lawn and carparking. The site then moves into the dune system following residential properties until Beach Access No. 6 at Mooloo Crescent.

Williamson Park and the Surf Club are busy areas during peak summer periods and feature a high number of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian circulation occurs throughout the site both north to south and east to west. The esplanade lawn area is often used to walk along due to its height and extensive views over the beach. Movement also occurs from the carpark over the lawn area and onto one of 10 beach accesses located along the esplanade.

Throughout the dunes, there are many informal paths as shown in the adjacent aerial. An example of this follows the residential boundaries north to the town centre and there are various cross connections to the beach from residential properties. Beach Access 6 and 7 are located along this dune system. At Beach Access 7, off Saint Patrick's Row Reserve, are large mounds of sand that are often used as a lookout point for surfers and locals. The mound features a bench seat but informal paths either side of the dune have begun to erode the mound edges.

The main vegetation cover on the site is predominantly dune species but there are seven established Pohutukawa trees along Esplanade Drive that provide shade for the lawn area.

There is an existing furniture suite along the Whangamatā Esplanade and beach that include chunky bench seats, picnic tables, rubbish bins, bollards, a shower and BBQ’s. The items are timber and are in need of an upgrade to match and complement other reserve upgrades occurring throughout the Coromandel. The picnic tables and BBQ’s are shaded by large established Pohutukawa trees and the bench seats line the dune system along the esplanade.

From the analysis the adjacent constraints and opportunities have been identified.,

ANALYSIS

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ESPLANADE D

RIVE

WHANGAMATĀ SURF CLUB & WILLIAMSON

PARK

BEVERLY TERRACE

OCEAN RD

GRAHAM ST

ST P

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CK'S

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MOOLOO CRESCENT

ST PATRICK'S ROW RESERVE

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NAnalysis PlanLegend:

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7

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23

4

5

6

Bench seating

BBQ

Picnic tables

Rubbish bins

Shower (Coldwater)

Streetlights

Pedestrian circulation

Vehicle circulation


SITE IMAGES

Looking south down the Whangamatā dune system towards the Surf Club from Beach Access 6 at Mooloo Crescent. The informal access directly adjacent to residential boundaries can be seen in the right of this image,

Large erosion prone and constantly changing mounds at Beach Access 7 beside St Patrick’s Row Reserve. The dunes are often used as look out points for locals and surfers to assess the water conditions,

At the northern end of the esplanade is a large open space that contains BBQ’s, picnic tables and a shower. This spot is often used for surf or other beach events.


Looking north towards the open space from the Surf Club. The area is a popular carpark and is a highly used space. The edge is highly modified with the dune system in this section starting to encroach on the road, often displacing sand onto the pavement and properties nearby. The area between the two kerbs has been planted in the past. Streetlights are positioned along this area but are not in a good condition and are in the process of being removed.

Existing bins are located along the length of Esplanade Drive. There are also steps at certain locations to negotiate the change in height between the top of the lawn and road. There is seating placed randomly along the lawn area.

Looking back towards the surf club on the lawn to the east of Esplanade Drive. The lawn area’s height provides expansive views across the beach and out to the offshore islands , however the area lacks shade and accessible access.


WHANGAMATĀ COASTLINE - A STRING OF ISLANDS

The coastal landscape of Whangamatā is significant to local iwi, residents and visitors. Of particular importance is the iconic offshore islands of Hauturu, Rawengaiti, Whenuakura and Maukaha.

The design for the boardwalk has been informed by this coastal context through the forms and ideas that the islands present.

From above the islands stretch away from the mainland, creating a stepping stone effect; each island is separate, but connected through the underlying lay of the land and cultural associations.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 1


WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK - A STRING OF ISLANDS

ISLAND FORM ABSTRACTION POSSIBLE TREATMENT

The idea is laid out over the site. The boardwalk being the string or connector and the islands representing the key nodes or junction points along the length.

Drawing inspiration from the geometry of the islands, shapes are extracted and explored through abstracted forms.

2 3 4

The island forms are expressed in the shapes, materiality and orientations of the nodes along the boardwalk.

LAYOUT PLAN

ISLAND 4: MOOLOO CRESCENT

SECONDARY ISLAND

SECONDARY ISLAND

SECONDARY ISLAND

SECONDARY ISLAND

ISLAND 3: ST PATRICK'S ROW

MEANDER THROUGH THE DUNES

OPEN GRASSED RESERVE

ESPLANADE DRIV

E PROMENADE

ISLAND 2: GRAHAM ST

ISLAND 1: SURF CLUB

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ESPLANADE D

RIVE

BEVERLY TERRACE

OCEAN RD

GRAHAM ST



SECONDARY ISLAND

ISLAND 2: GRAHAM ST

CONCEPT PLAN

Island 1: Surf Club - Start of 3m wide boardwalk that will connect to the existing node and boardwalk in place at Williamson Park. Opportunity for cultural integration though public artwork, interpretative signage and wayfinding

The high number of existing beach accesses will be reduced and revegetated with a smaller number of new angled accessways created to provide protection to the dune

Secondary island: Accessible path from the carpark to the top of the dune system with accessible picnic tables

Island 2: Graham St - Amenity node that features seating and shower. Opportunity for interpretative signage and wayfinding

An accessible path will be created from the carpark to island 2 with removable bollards

Secondary island: Seating, shade tree. Boardwalk narrows from 3m to 2.5m from this point. Opportunity for cultural integration though public artwork, interpretative signage and wayfinding, bookending this section of the boardwalk

Secondary island: Viewing platform with seating

Boardwalk Option 1: Meanders through the dunes, pulling people off the existing track along property boundaries

Boardwalk Option 2: Follows existing walking route along property boundaries

Island 3: St Patrick's Row - Timber platform accessed by sand ladder with seating and shade trees. Opportunity for interpretative signage and wayfinding

Secondary island: Timber viewing platform with seating

Island 4: Mooloo Crescent - Concrete platform with seating and shade trees. Opportunity for interpretative signage and wayfinding

Furniture to be removed (12)

New picnic table (5)

New bench seat with back rest (5)

New bench seat (9)

New rubbish bin (8)

New interpretative signage (4)

Boardwalk alignment Option 1

Boardwalk alignment Option 2

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ESPLANADE D

RIVE

BEVERLY TERRACE

OCEAN RD

GRAHAM ST

ST P

ATRI

CK'S

RO

W

MOOLOO CRESCENT


A

B

C

C

C

CD

E

C

C x2

C E

CC

D

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DD

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DD

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B

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E

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E


VISUALISATION 1

BOARDWALK ALIGNMENT OPTION 1 SHOWN ONLY - View looking North along the beach. The new boardwalk winds it's way through the existing landscape; along the esplanade, through the reserve space and into the dunes. New furniture is positioned along the dune edge and around the key nodes. The esplanade and reserve section of boardwalk could be bookended by cultural markers as shown in the foreground near the surfclub node and in the reserve space before the dune section of the boardwalk.


VISUALISATION 2

View of 'Island 2' - an amenity node that features seating, planting and an upgraded shower on a timber platorm. Interpretative signage / wayfinding could be incorporated into the node as shown.


TYPICAL X-SECTION

EXISTING GROUND LEVEL

ESPLANADE DRIVE PROMENADE

The promenade forms a new edge to better connect the street and beach. This straight section of 3m wide boardwalk maximises access and movement along the esplanade. Existing sand embankment is to be cut away and shifted back over on top of the dune, adding resilience to the existing dune system. The existing bollard line moves up in elevation to suit the new dune height.


TYPICAL X-SECTIONOPEN GRASSED RESERVE

The 3m wide boardwalk sways out towards the dune edge, framing the existing shaded lawn space and providing views along the coast north-south. This area remains largely untouched to maintain the passive recreation use and allow events to continue happening here.


TYPICAL X-SECTIONMEANDER THROUGH THE DUNES

This section of the boardwalk winds it’s way through the dune system, allowing people to experience the prime views of the coast and immerse users in the coastal dune ecology. The alignment will also draw people away from the existing informal track along residents boundaries and provide a better visual connection to the island groups and beach. Through the dune section the boardwalk narrows to 2.5m wide to reduce the impact on the dune formations.

*sub-structure details to be confirmed


FEATURES

In-ground lighting used throughout the esplanade area to make the space more interactive by night. This could occur along the length of the esplanade, in selected locations or under significant trees. The idea of star navigation is reflected through the lighting arrangements - using the boardwalk lighting to guide your path.

Embedding stories or symbols of relevance to place and culture in the concrete through the use of stenciled sand blasting.

Interpretative signage example. Allowing people to learn about relevant cultural, historical and ecological information about the site and the islands.


MATERIAL PALETTE

FURNITURE

SURFACES

Macrocarpa bench seatSupplier: Logic Street Scene

Macrocarpa / steel bench seat with backSupplier: Logic Street Scene

Drinking fountain with dog bowlSupplier: Logic Street Scene

Concrete - sand colouredrough trowel finish

Concrete - decorative shallow exposed aggregate

Macrocarpa / steel picnic setSupplier: Logic Street Scene

Timber BollardsSupplier: Logic Street Scene

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

Timber / steel rubbish binSupplier: Logic Street Scene

Dual showerSupplier: Logic Street Scene

Timber decking


PLANTING PALETTE

DUNE PLANTING

TREE PLANTING

Metrosideros excelsa ‘Pohutukawa’

Spinifex sericeus ‘Kowhangatara’ Juncus krausii ‘Wiwi’ Muehlenbeckia complexa ‘Scrambling Pohuehue’ Ficinia spiralis ‘Pingao’

Documents

WHANGAMATĀ BOARDWALK CONCEPT PLAN Council/Council...coastal dune boardwalk. The proposed design is based on direction and feedback from Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and