Nearly one hectare of new public park space in Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, was opened to the public on 22 November.

Starting in early 2013, the revitalisation of Daldy Street and Halsey Street has been completed in stages, transforming the public realm in the area. A new section of Daldy Street has been created through former industrial land and converted into a slow-speed street with a grand, 38-metre-wide green park, complete with seven-metre-high play structures made from old silos.

Halsey Street, on the eastern edge of the Wynyard Quarter, has been upgraded to link the area to the existing Viaduct Harbour pedestrian promenade.

The $29 million project has used sustainable development practices and features low-impact storm water systems which treat run-off from the street, park and adjacent development sites.

In total, 50 rain gardens and garden beds have been laid, 235 trees and 7,366 plants planted, 1100m of stormwater drainage pipes and 350m of sanitary sewer pipes installed, and 15,000m³ of contaminated soil removed from the former industrial sites.

With 521 workers and 127,000 man hours clocked, Waterfront Auckland chief executive, John Dalzell says it has been a mammoth project for the contractor, Hawkins Open Spaces and the results speak for themselves.

“The public realm upgrades also pave the way for the next major development in the area, the build of 500-600 apartments and townhouses and 48,000 m2 of flexible working and office space as part of an innovation hub for digital and ITC businesses. This new development is another key step into realising the immense potential of Wynyard Quarter as a new vibrant part of the city, that’s just a little bit different. ”

To celebrate the project’s completion, Daldy Street will be closed to vehicles Saturday 22 November for a neighbourhood street party featuring backyard cricket and street games.