Accessible News

Top storiesNew ZealandPoliticsBusinessEntertainmentSportsWorld

Spectacular plan for Dunedin waterfront

Sunday, 12 November 2017

Spectacular designs for a new-look Dunedin waterfront have been unveiled.

Combining a shell-shaped hotel and conference centre reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House, a marine education centre shaped like a whale's tail, a redesigned steamer basin and new trees, the plan is part of a 25-year vision for the southern city.

The designs have been revealed by Dunedin-based architect Damien van Brandenburg, and Animation Research Ltd's managing director Ian Taylor.

A conference centre and hotel in the shape of shells are part of a proposed design for Dunedin waterfront.
A conference centre and hotel in the shape of shells are part of a proposed design for Dunedin waterfront.

They are part of a redevelopment plan that would includes both public and private investment.

**READ MORE:

An overview of the design.
An overview of the design.

* Dunedin's proposed 17-storey hotel declined

* Dunedin waterfront hotel consent denied**

A revamped waterfront would have trees for shelter.
A revamped waterfront would have trees for shelter.
A proposed marine education centre, designed in the shape of a whale’s tail.
A proposed marine education centre, designed in the shape of a whale’s tail.

The plan is intended to be pedestrian-friendly, provide a gathering place for locals and tourists to enjoy, and connect the town centre, Otago University and the Forsyth Barr Stadium by walkways and cycleways.

Dunedin City Council said it welcomed the designs.

As one of the partners in any planned redevelopment, the council will be examining the possible options, and costs for a bridge linking the central city to the planned new waterfront.

Details of possible bridge options will be discussed with the community as part of the council's upcoming 10-year plan. If approved, options for the bridge will be put out for community feedback as part of a consultation document in March or April.

Other key partners working closely with Taylor, van Brandenburg and the council on the redevelopment ideas are the Otago Regional Council, Port Otago, the University of Otago and Ngāi Tahu.

Private plans for a five-star hotel development on the city's waterfront have so far failed to gain approval. These included a $100 million plan for a 27-storey hotel with apartments in 2013, and a plan for a 17-storey hotel this year.