Auckland’s last remaining wooden boat-building yard is set to be transformed into a social and education centre dedicated to the craft, where people can come and watch boats being worked on and restored.

Built in 1937, the Vos yard in the Wynyard Quarter was, for decades, a symbol of New Zealand’s boat-building prowess, with many classic vessels built there under the tutelage of the renowned boat builder Percy Vos. It was the last place in the country to build wooden boats and the shed and slipway are still in much the same condition as they were when it closed its doors in 1994.

Waterfront Auckland chief executive John Dalzell says the Vos yard helped establish New Zealand’s reputation in boat building and it is only right it is restored to some of its former glory.

“Wynyard Quarter has a proud maritime heritage that began with places like the Vos yard and continues to this day as the current home base for Emirates Team New Zealand,” he commented.

Specific activities planned for the Hamer Street site include haulout and re-launchings on the slipways, education relating to boat restoration, new marine product displays and the potential for a café or similar food and beverage offering.

Restoration work is hoped to begin in 2017, starting with alterations to trusses and a structural upgrade, recladding existing timber and steel-framed structures, and repairing bluestone slipways along with building enhancements.

Auckland Council will provide $2.3 million of the $4.7 million cost of restoring the 1,115m² site, with the balance of funds to be sourced through fundraising.