Repairs to Auckland's Northcote Point wharf to begin two years after closure

Friday, 19 June 2020

Auckland’s Northcote Point ferry terminal has been closed since June 2018

A $2.6 million project to renew a popular Auckland ferry wharf will finally begin after multiple delays.

Northcote Point wharf has been closed since June 2018 when routine maintenance inspections found its wooden structure had deteriorated.

The ferry service made 155 trips a day and the project is set for completion by the end of the year.

A renewal of a deteriorating ferry wharf will finally begin after years of delays.

Northcote MP Dan Bidois said the community had been “extremely frustrated” with how long the project had taken.

* Northcote Point wharf to reopen in 2020; local MP Dan Bidois says it's a frustrating delay

Northcote MP Dan Bidois says it is unacceptable it has taken over two years to renew the Northcote Point ferry wharf.

* Proposal for new Northcote Point ferry wharf rejected

“It is unacceptable that at a time when congestion is rife, Auckland Transport has allowed such a lengthy delay in what is a great public transport option,” he said.

“It's been well over two years that the wharf has been out of action, and that's far too long. But it’s good news that they’re getting on with it.”

Auckland Transport blamed delays to the project on Covid-19 restrictions, but it experienced delays before the nation entered lockdown in response to the pandemic.

In May 2019, AT said ferry services would not resume until early 2020, despite originally claiming it would take 12 months from November 2018 to complete renewal.

Auckland Transport spokesperson David Nelson said he knew the Northcote community had been waiting for the work to start.

“Now that the cost of the works has been confirmed, STF appointed, and the consent granted, we are looking forward to the work being completed as soon as possible.”

Specialist marine contractor STF will carry out the work and resource consents have been received, which will allow work to start on site in a few weeks.

The 60-year-old wharf has been closed for health and safety reasons for two years after structural issues were found.

The project is now expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

AT deliberated on approving a new all-weather wharf, but instead decided to extend the life of the 60-year-old structure.