Source: Auckland Council
Protection of a vulnerable stretch of popular Ōrewa Beach is underway with construction due to start soon on an erosion-preventing seawall and walkway.
Auckland Council is pleased to announce that the contract has been awarded for the construction of the Ōrewa walkway and seawall to JFC Limited as our construction contractors.
The Ōrewa walkway and seawall is a 600m-long seawall and shared path in Ōrewa, between Marine View and Kohu Street as well as a shared space at Kinloch Reserve.
Through value engineering (a thorough process that ensures value for money without compromising on function) and robust negotiation, the tender has been awarded for approximately $12.5M – which is under the estimated cost to construct and within the council’s allocated budget.
Ward Councillor John Watson emphasises the importance of Ōrewa beach not only to the local community but also to the wider region.
“Ōrewa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the entire Auckland region. Its year-round attraction means it’s always in high use by the community. It’s one of the jewels in the crown of the Hibiscus Coast.
“The Ōrewa walkway and seawall is a multi-million-dollar investment into managing the impacts of coastal erosion to a much-loved area. I’m pleased that we’re in a position to move forward with this next phase and the steps that were taken to deliver the project under budget without compromising on essential aspects.”
Along with the seawall and shared pathway, the project includes planting along the walkway and in Kinloch and Kohu Street Reserves, inground lighting, three ramps and five sets of stairs to improve access to the beach. The design has also sought to minimise impact to trees and protect the pōhutukawa trees near the marine reserve.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chairperson Alexis Poppelbaum says that the local board is pleased that construction of the seawall is about to begin.
“We have supported the seawall project for a very long time, and it’s been through quite a process, going all the way up to Environment Court. Ōrewa Beach faces several challenging erosion issues with this narrow section of the beach which is at the highest risk of progressive erosion.
“Our community and visitors need access to the beach and the shared walkway will improve access for a range of people wanting to enjoy the beach,” says Chairperson Poppelbaum.
About the Ōrewa walkway and seawall
Ōrewa Beach has several challenging erosion issues. It is one of Auckland’s highest priority at-risk coastal areas. The aim of the Ōrewa seawall is to manage the impacts of erosion, while maintaining access along and onto the beachfront.
The Environment Court granted resource consent for the seawall in August 2020. This was achieved with funding from Hibiscus and Bays Local Board’s One Local Initiative. Construction was delayed due to COVID-19 and funding challenges.
“It’s great to be at this point and awarding the contract for what will be a monumental project for Ōrewa,” says Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council General Manager Parks and Community Facilities.
“Over the last few months, we have been discussing aspects of the design with JFC Limited (JFC), negotiating the tender price, agreeing the programme and staging of work. Our thanks to the community for their patience as we’ve gone through this necessary process.
“Thanks to value engineering and negotiations, procurement will be within the budget approved through the Long-term Plan as demonstrated by the final tender amount. Despite delays, we are still planning to complete the project before the end of 2025 as originally planned.”
“We acknowledge and appreciate the involvement of Ngāti Manuhiri in the project. We’re excited to be finalising the design of mahi toi elements including stencils etched into the concrete walkway.”
Our contractors, consultants and council staff will also attend a cultural induction led by Ngāti Manuhiri, prior to construction starting.
Next steps
Construction will begin in October 2024 on the stage between Kohu Street and Kinloch Reserve. Work will stop prior to Christmas and recommence in March 2025 to avoid construction activity on the beach and in front of properties over the Christmas and summer holiday period.
Extent of the works – courtesy Tonkin & Taylor
In the next couple of months, you can expect to see our contractors establishing their site compound on Kinloch Reserve and installing fencing.
While part of Kohu Street will also be fenced during the construction period, there’ll still be access to residential properties and the beach.
Keep in touch
Quarterly project updates are planned as the walkway and seawall project progresses. If you would like to receive the project newsletter, please email: orewaseawall@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
For further information about the project and to view previous editions of the newsletter, please visit our website.
