Wellington's waterfront has come a long way since even only a few years ago, and there's so much going on right now that it warrants its own thread.

Summary of Wellington Waterfront Developments (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/)

Waitangi/Chaffers Precinct (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/waitangi/index.htm)

http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/images/waitangi_park/areas.gif (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/docs/A_100_masterplan.pdf)

Waitangi Park (Area 1): (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/waitangi/waitangi_park_introduction/index.htm) complete.

Space between Te Papa & Waitangi Park (Area 2): (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/waitangi/waitangi_park_introduction/area_two/index.htm) Design finalised, still seeking financing.

Chaffers Dock (Area 3): (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/waitangi/chaffers_dock/index.htm) Apartments & retail centre complete. Movenpick ice cream rocks. Finishing touches being perfected.

Overseas Passenger Terminal: (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/waitangi/overseas_passenger_terminal/index.htm) design finalised, underwater structural work to be evaluated.

Taranaki St Wharf Precinct (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/Taranaki_street_wharf/index.htm)

Frank Kitts Park Precinct (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/Frank_kitts_park/index.htm)

Len Lye's Water Whirler: completed 2006.

TSB Arena south end redesign: to be finalised.

Chinese Garden: design still being finalised.

Queens Wharf Precinct (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/Queens_wharf/index.htm)

Hilton Hotel: (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/Queens_wharf/index.htm) Resource consent hearings underway.

Kumutoto Precinct (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/Kumutoto/Index.htm)

http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/images/kumutotoverlay2lo.jpg (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/docs/041006_sk_d140_masterplan.pdf)

Kumutoto Site 7 (Meridian Energy): (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/Kumutoto/site_7/Index.htm) to be completed October 2007.

Kumutoto Sites 8, 9 & 10 (http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/development/Kumutoto/sites_8_9_and_10/index.htm): design competition underway.

Yeah it just keeps getting better and better.

Good idea for a thread.

^^ yeah this thread is excellent. it's cool to see how welly seems to be leading the way in such neat harbour front design. we could do with some of this around the waterways of christchurch

Meridian building is looks almost externally complete. Internal fitting out going on. Due to be opened next month (I think).

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1097/1294141071_6a4c927ebb.jpg

Landscaping between Shed 11 and The Loaded Hod/One Red Dog:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1153/1294141061_76121884eb.jpg

Looking good.

Thanks for update.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1146/1421751243_c8731ee79f.jpg
Meridian building from Queens Wharf.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/1421751249_106535da4e.jpg
Landscaping nearly finished between The Loaded Hog and Meridian building.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/1421751255_f11def4118.jpg
Landscaping progress out the front of the Meridian Energy building.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/1421751261_34418c5436.jpg
Part of Kumutoto Stream being opened up. Just north of Meridian building.

Design competition entries (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/0a25601.html) for Frank Kitts Park & Kumutoto Precinct are now online.

Some of those Kumutoto designs look crazy, but in a good way. I just hope it doesn't get restrained by budgets and pissing around by the council and development opponents etc... So far we have heard nothing about the great the great building designed by UN Studios that was supposed to transform the waterfront and i think these Kumutoto designs will probably go the same way as that building. Even if it does go ahead, probably won't be in our lifetme and will probably be so scaled back it won't look anything like it was supposed to.

These will be awesome additions ....

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/86853526.jpg

http://www.willisbond.co.nz/uploads/images/35_thumb1-image_main.jpg

http://www.willisbond.co.nz/uploads/images/35_thumb5-image_main.jpg

http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/images/waitangi_park/precinctdesigncompetition/WardleSlice.jpghttp://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/images/waitangi_park/precinctdesigncompetition/WardleBoatharbour2copy.jpg

http://www.gw.govt.nz/story_images/2602_FINAL1873_300DPI_s4950.JPG

From the Dom (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/4310678a23918.html):

Waterfront wins designers' vote
MATT CALMAN - The Dominion Post | Tuesday, 04 December 2007

Wellington's waterfront has been voted one of the best examples of urban design, according to a survey.

Victoria University School of Architecture head Gordon Holden sent the survey to 26 urban designers asking them to rate their five favourite examples of urban design in New Zealand and Australia.

He was delighted when he tallied the scores and found Wellington's waterfront redevelopment came out on top along with two Australian examples.

Wellington waterfront tied with Brisbane's South Bank development - the revamped site of Expo 88 - and Melbourne's city centre.

The waterfront was praised for its focus on public access, its open spaces which opened up the area, the variety of spaces for different activities, and treatment of the foreshore and wharf areas.

The 26 urban designers surveyed were asked to identify five design projects they liked and reasons.

The three winners were all mentioned the same number of times. Nineteen developments were voted for more than once.

Professor Holden said use of resilient materials and aesthetics were important aspects of urban design but the common thread among the winners was functionality. "The whole idea of good design is a much broader concept. It has to be workable, it has to be seen to be serving the functional needs of people and delivering what they want."

Former Wellington Waterfront chairwoman and mayor Fran Wilde was not surprised to hear of the accolade. An enormous amount of effort throughout many years had gone into ensuring good design inhabited the waterfront, she said. "Every element, whether it be building or public space, is designed very carefully and undergoes very rigorous scrutiny. This has resulted in world-class design."

Another New Zealand example to receive votes was Auckland's Viaduct Basin. Wellington's Waitangi Park and Civic Square also received praise.

From the Dom (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/4310678a23918.html):

Waterfront wins designers' vote
MATT CALMAN - The Dominion Post | Tuesday, 04 December 2007

:applause::applause: well done Wellington, I couldn't agree more :cheers:

I regard Waitangi park as a failure of urban design actually because of that grass field which even on the sunniest of weekends is usually empty. Talk about waste of land which could be so much more user friendly. There are hardly any seats at Waitangi Park either unlike the new Kumutoto precinct which seems to have been much better thought out.

yeah i agree and when you walk past almost everyday like i do you soon become aware its not there anymore your head faceing out to the sea instead hehe

Friday, 14 December 2007

Harbour park plan chosen

The winning design for the $4 million revamp of Frank Kitts Park has been selected, with work likely to start in two years.

Wellington company Wraight & Associates beat four competitors to win the design competition held by the city council-owned Wellington Waterfront Ltd.

The competition jury was unanimous in its decision, saying the design would realise the potential of the site.

The blueprint for the park is conceptual, with the final details of how it will look being decided over the next six months.

However, the jury said pedestrian access to the water's edge would be improved, along with park safety, particularly at the children's playground and along the Jervois Quay edge of the park.

A much-anticipated Chinese Garden, funded by the Wellington Chinese Garden Society, is included - tying in with sister city links to Beijing and Xiamen.

Wellington Waterfront chief executive Ian Pike said resource consent would be applied for after the council had formally agreed to the plans, and contracts would then be let.

"So, even with the best will in the world, it is likely that no soil will be turned until 2009."

The winning entry ensures a continuity in the design of Wellington's waterfront parks as Megan Wraight, principal of Wraight & Associates, was also part of Waitangi Park's design team.


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Looks pretty boring to me. Seems as if we are going to get another huge empty grass field like the one at Waitangi Park, although it does have some redeeming features i guess.

Looks pretty boring to me. Seems as if we are going to get another huge empty grass field like the one at Waitangi Park, although it does have some redeeming features i guess.

I think this one will be different because of its proximity to the majority of office workers, who just need to stroll across the road to eat lunch, laze about, catch some lunchtime or afternoon sun.

I agree with Waitangi park - this is just too much of a walk away if you work in Lambton Quay, Featherston st, bottom of Willis. Maybe I am lazy, but unless I was working around Courtney Place, I wouldn't bother walking all the way to Waitangi. An iconic building here would have been the ticket

http://www.hallmark-realestate.co.nz/Properties/Property031/01-20070408210115.jpg:cheers:

http://www.hallmark-realestate.co.nz/Properties/Property031/01-20070408210115.jpg:cheers:
It's been consented, although currently hearing appeals the last I heard.

It's been consented, although currently hearing appeals the last I heard.:cheers:

I don't mind the design, and this should almost "complete" this whole area.

But I always wonder what it would have been like grassing the area and having something iconic there - not a building. Maybe a funky monument facing out to the sea?

I am a big fan of alot of greenery around the waterfront. I know there is Frank Kitts park, but this area will be a real focal point now and there isn't any real green area for people to chill out from Frank Kitts northward.

Would make a great postcard shot - Wellingtonians chilling out at lunchtime with the capital skyline towering over them....

I like the design ... maybe it needs a roof-top garden with a "Buddha Bar" type of place to chill ;) .... it would be soooo Wellington :)

Hey - now that would be great!

One of those cool, trendy rooftop bars, with an outdoor area to gaze back at the city lights.

They have a couple here in KL.....brilliant

I like the design ... maybe it needs a roof-top garden with a "Buddha Bar" type of place to chill ;) .... it would be soooo Wellington :)

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Good place for Wellington forumers to have a drink catch up. I promise to shout the first round. What are we looking at there maybe $8 for a pint? (gulp). :cheers:

:banana:

Tuesday, 05 February 2008
$100m waterfront wow! (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/4387223a23918.html)

Three new buildings expected to cost more than $100 million are planned for Wellington's waterfront north of Queens Wharf, in a development that may include apartments, ground floor cafes, restaurants and bars.

A Wellington Waterfront competition has seen Athfield Architects trump five other companies to have its design, dubbed the Fossil, the Stacks and the Crane, selected.

The two buildings for sites 8 and 9 (see map), which could be joined by a midair walkway, were conceived as a contemporary fossil embedded within the harbour edge. They have spaces under the wharf as far as the roof terrace on its fourth level.

The site 10 building would create a buffer with the working port by mimicking industrial aspects, such as stacked containers, in its eight-storey design.

The designs were selected by a judging panel that included Wellington Waterfront chief executive Ian Pike.

Work now starts to fill in detail of the concept designs of the buildings in Kumutoto, which are expected to cost more than $100 million. Resource consents need to be obtained and construction on the first building is expected to start next year.

Mr Pike said they could include apartments, ground floor cafes, restaurants and bars, "but they will be predominantly set aside for a more commercial office use than anything we've done before mainly because of their proximity to the cbd, which is just across Jervois Quay".

Initial work will be funded by Wellington Waterfront, owned by Wellington City Council, before a developer takes over the project.

"This will generate significant sums of money for Wellington Waterfront," Mr Pike said.

Some of the income would be used to develop public space on the waterfront.

The designs will incorporate green aspects similar to the nearby Meridian Building.

Mr Pike said the completed buildings would add sparkle to the northern end of the wharf.

"At the moment it trails off into nothingness at the Meridian Building. This is connecting the waterfront all the way to the railway station."

Mr Pike was joined on the judging panel by architects John Melhuish and Bill Toomath, and former Wellington Waterfront chairwoman Fran Wilde. The convenor was Professor John Hunt of Auckland University.

The panel was not told which designs had come from the shortlisted finalists, which included Architecture +, Architecture Workshop, Bligh Voller Nield, Studio Pacific Architecture, and Warren and Mahoney.

--------

These are the 2 renders from the paper... digital versions pilfered from wellurban (many thanks)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2243643328_b6d2fd472d.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/2243643220_8fbd792899.jpg?v=0

Congratulations Wellington ... pure style and once again it takes Wellington to restore my faith in NZ :) .... FANNYTASTIC ..... when do we get to see the 3rd building ?

that's actually all three, sorry the overview photo isn't very big so doesn't make it clear. The buildings on sites 8 and 9 (directly next to the meridian office - on the left of the photo) are conceived as a single entity, but if you look closely it's made up of a smaller building next to the water and a larger building behind.

I Liked the translucent "lantern of Blue" at Option F - to add a bit of colour to the waterfront.

(sorry - can't figure out how to post the picture)

that's actually all three, sorry the overview photo isn't very big so doesn't make it clear. The buildings on sites 8 and 9 (directly next to the meridian office - on the left of the photo) are conceived as a single entity, but if you look closely it's made up of a smaller building next to the water and a larger building behind.

Oh now I see it ... thank you. It is truly awesome stuff.

These are the 2 renders from the paper... digital versions pilfered from wellurban (many thanks)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2243643328_b6d2fd472d.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/2243643220_8fbd792899.jpg?v=0:banana:

Thumbs down to Hilton on Wellington waterfront

By COLIN PATTERSON and TOM FITZSIMONS - The Dominion Post | Saturday, 15 March 2008


Plans for a five-star Hilton Hotel on Wellington's waterfront have been sunk by the Environment Court.


Yesterday, the court upheld appeals from Wellington Civic Trust, Waterfront Watch and nearby property owners against a September 2006 Greater Wellington regional council decision to grant consent to a hotel on the outer T of Queens Wharf.

In the court's decision, Judge Brian Dwyer said using the Outer T for a five-star hotel was inconsistent with the sustainable use of natural and physical resources. He said a hotel would also affect the area's amenity values.

"We include amongst those the dominance of the building in its context, the reduction of public space, the creation of a vehicle precinct on the outer T, the loss of public and private views, the reduction of berthage – which gives the area much of its character – and additional shading on surrounding areas."

The court acknowledged that a hotel would provide economic benefits to the wider community. But those benefits would be achieved at the expense of qualities that made the area special.

"The hotel building will dominate the public space due to its bulk and reduce the public access area around the outer T. The scale of historic development will be disrupted and the new building will dominate the heritage buildings around it."

The court did not believe these adverse effects could be avoided.

Wellington city councillor Helene Ritchie, who was one of the appellants, said the decision vindicated her stand against the project.

Ms Ritchie said the decision showed the city council needed to "get real" about the waterfront and acknowledge public concern about how it was being developed.

Lawyer Con Anastasiou, who represented property owners – including rival five-star hotel The Intercontinental, which objected to the development – said his clients were delighted with the decision. "I think it's a good decision for the people of Wellington."

Waterfront Watch president Pauline Swann had not read the 94-page decision, but said she was over the moon about it.

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said she was disappointed that the city had lost an opportunity to have a five-star hotel.

Richard Cathie, a spokesman for Waterfront Investments – the company behind the proposal – was disappointed with the decision and said he was still studying it.

REJECT PROJECT

What was proposed? A $45 million five-star hotel with 142 rooms on the outer T of Queens Wharf.

Who were the applicants? Waterfront Investments, a company owned by George and Lyn Middleditch, who also owned the Thistle Inn, Wellington's oldest hotel. Mr Middleditch died in June 2006.

Who supported it? Backers included Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast, Oscar winner Peter Jackson, former Wellington airport chief executive Simon Draper and business and tourism groups.

Who opposed it?A coalition of community groups including Waterfront Watch and Wellington Civic Trust, Victoria University architecture professor Russell Walden, several city councillors and nearby property owners.

Why has the Environment Court turned it down? The court says the hotel building was too big, would reduce public access, would cause traffic problems and affect the wharf's heritage.

What happens next? Waterfront Investments has 15 days to decide if it wants to appeal to the High Court. If an appeal is not lodged, the Environment Court's decision is final.



^^^^Congratulations Waterfront Watch and your fellow NIMBY's:bash:

Thankyou for keeping Wellington looking like something that Captain Cook would be proud of:nuts:

Thankyou for providing excellent accommodation for the many thousands of affluent international visitors, attending the RWC 2011:nuts:

Thankyou your being the extremely selfish and unworldly morons that you are.....

Thanks for nothing!

DIPSHITS!:bash:

fuck :bash:

I was so looking forward to this development.

Wish we where like China sometimes, just fucking build it!

I am wondering wheter the Hilton might end up at the proposed development north of Queens Warf. It would seem logical

I am wondering whether the Hilton might end up at the proposed development north of Queens Wharf. It would seem logical

Oh well lets stay positive and hope they still build a Hilton , Taller , Better somewher close by :cheers:

:bash::bash:

Argh!!! Why doesnt anything get BUILT in this country and why does everything go to the Environment Court?? :ohno:

I am wondering whether the Hilton might end up at the proposed development north of Queens Wharf. It would seem logical
I believe Kumutoto Wharf has already been taken for the Site 8, 9 & 10 developments. If the Hilton is to be built on the Waterfront, maybe the southern end of CentrePort land, or the Waterloo or Glasgow Wharves would fit the bill.

I hate the waterfront watch people as well but i support them on this one. The design for that Hilton was fugly as hell, the outer T deserves much better.

I hate the waterfront watch people as well but i support them on this one. The design for that Hilton was fugly as hell, the outer T deserves much better.
WellUrban also pointed out (http://wellurban.blogspot.com/2006/09/hilton-happening.html) a number of technical issues too. Nonetheless he was generally in favour of it.

Welly desperately needs a 5-star hotel like the Hilton, but maybe the Outer T wasn't the best location for it. One of the under-used CentrePort wharves could fill the vacuum, since they're part of the Harbour Quays development area (http://www.harbourquays.co.nz/images.html).

I have compiled a list of potential alternate locations that are big enough for the Hilton proposal, if its backers decide not to appeal the Environment Court ruling.

Areas earmarked for the Kumutoto redevelopment (Sites 8, 9 & 10) are not included, neither is the Container Wharf.


The original Outer T location.
Waterloo Wharf. Formerly the Top Cat Fast Ferry terminal. Currently in use by the Police Maritime unit.
Interisland Wharf. Currently used by Pacifica Shipping (http://www.pacship.co.nz/).
Glasgow Wharf. Currenty used by the Bluebridge Ferry (http://bluebridge.co.nz/).


Aotea Quay just north of the Container Wharf is an outside chance, since there are plans to upgrade cruise ship facilities. However, it would be a bit far away to build a 5-star hotel.

(Big image follows)

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/Hilton%20Hotel%20-%20Waterfront/P3240021HDTV.jpg (http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/Hilton%20Hotel%20-%20Waterfront/?action=view&current=P3240021HDTV.jpg)

All good ideas. Although there isnt much difference in actual site other than distance from CBD I think I prefer Glasgow Wharf. Although we are very limited by space and can only really do a Hong Kong now- either up or on the water. In addition to the seafront Hilton I would like to see another hotel chain built a brand new tower in the central city, north end of Lambton Quay, Ballance Street area. Something that will stand out like the Intercontinental or the new one, is it the Bolton?

All good ideas. Although there isnt much difference in actual site other than distance from CBD I think I prefer Glasgow Wharf. Although we are very limited by space and can only really do a Hong Kong now- either up or on the water. In addition to the seafront Hilton I would like to see another hotel chain built a brand new tower in the central city, north end of Lambton Quay, Ballance Street area. Something that will stand out like the Intercontinental or the new one, is it the Bolton?
A couple of new ones actually. The first is the Bolton, which is rated 5-star Qualmark. The other is the Holiday Inn on Featherston St, which isn't rated yet but my father's stayed there, and he rates it 3½-4 stars.

I'm not sure how the Qualmark system compares with the international system, but the Intercontinental is definitely 5-star on the international scale.

Supreme design awards go to Wellington and Manukau
Radio NZ News (http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200804070910/19bd12b4) - Posted at 9:12am on 07 Apr 2008

Wellington's waterfront and a project to restore native plants in Manukau city have won prestigious national design awards.

There were a record 97 entries for the Institute of Landscape Architects Resene "Pride of Place" Landscape Awards which aim to honour the best in landscape architecture.

The winners were announced in Auckland on Saturday.

One of the judges described the Kumototo development on the waterfront plaza on Customhouse Quay in Wellington as a "seamless integration with the working heritage of the historic waterfront."

While the Manukau City Council's "Restoring Our Native Plants" project was said to produce a "set of guidelines which provide real, practical advice to help local residents actively participate in restoring their environment".

A total of 47 projects from around New Zealand, ranging from back gardens to motorways, received awards.

Any other ideas for the Outer T? At least we know the Hilton is still looking for a spot.

'End of the line' for Hilton on waterfront (http://www.stuff.co.nz/4472533a6479.html)
COLIN PATTERSON - The Dominion Post | Thursday, 10 April 2008

A planned five-star hotel on Wellington's waterfront is dead and buried, its backers having decided not to appeal against a court decision blocking the development.

Waterfront Investments had proposed a $45 million, 142-room Hilton hotel for the outer-T of Queens Wharf.

Though the project was welcomed by city tourism and business interests, it was opposed by groups such as Wellington Waterfront and Wellington Civic Trust.

The hotel suffered a serious setback last month when the Environment Court overturned a decision by independent commissioners appointed by Greater Wellington regional council to grant consents for the development.

In its judgment, the court said building a five-star hotel on a public wharf was inconsistent with the sustainable use of natural and physical resources.

Yesterday, Waterfront Investments' lawyer, Richard Cathie, said the company had decided it would not pursue an appeal to the High Court. "It's the end of the line."

Mr Cathie said Waterfront Investments disagreed with the Environment Court decision.

But it could appeal only on points of law.

"It decided it was not worth pursuing the risk involved in more litigation. It's very disappointing all round."

He said the court's decision showed the Wellington Waterfront Framework - the overriding document covering all waterfront development - appeared to have little legal status.

Waterfront Watch president Pauline Swann said her organisation was highly relieved at the news. "This process has gone on for too long."

Mrs Swann urged Wellington City Council to arrange a competition to give the public a chance to come up with its ideas for the outer-T.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast said she would seek advice on how the district plan could be changed to ensure the objectives of the waterfront framework could be delivered on.

Positively Wellington Tourism chief executive Tim Cossar said the decision represented a lost opportunity. "It's a disappointing end to a fairly long process."

Hilton was one of the world's most recognised hotel brands, he said. Having one in Wellington would help fill a gap in the market.

Mr Cossar hoped another site could be found by Hilton.

His group would do what it could to help. "Any party that wants to develop tourism facilities in Wellington, we'd be interested in talking to."

Hilton Hotels Australian vice-president Ashley Spencer said the end of the waterfront proposal would not mean the end of Hilton's plans to be in Wellington.

"We are confident there will be opportunities for a Hilton hotel elsewhere in Wellington and we continue to look for such opportunities."

A Dunedin Hilton was scheduled to open in 2010 and other New Zealand developments would be announced soon, Mr Spencer said.
--------

:banana::cheers:
Any other ideas for the Outer T? At least we know the Hilton is still looking for a spot.

'End of the line' for Hilton on waterfront (http://www.stuff.co.nz/4472533a6479.html)
COLIN PATTERSON - The Dominion Post | Thursday, 10 April 2008

A planned five-star hotel on Wellington's waterfront is dead and buried, its backers having decided not to appeal against a court decision blocking the development.

Waterfront Investments had proposed a $45 million, 142-room Hilton hotel for the outer-T of Queens Wharf.

Though the project was welcomed by city tourism and business interests, it was opposed by groups such as Wellington Waterfront and Wellington Civic Trust.

The hotel suffered a serious setback last month when the Environment Court overturned a decision by independent commissioners appointed by Greater Wellington regional council to grant consents for the development.

In its judgment, the court said building a five-star hotel on a public wharf was inconsistent with the sustainable use of natural and physical resources.

Yesterday, Waterfront Investments' lawyer, Richard Cathie, said the company had decided it would not pursue an appeal to the High Court. "It's the end of the line."

Mr Cathie said Waterfront Investments disagreed with the Environment Court decision.

But it could appeal only on points of law.

"It decided it was not worth pursuing the risk involved in more litigation. It's very disappointing all round."

He said the court's decision showed the Wellington Waterfront Framework - the overriding document covering all waterfront development - appeared to have little legal status.

Waterfront Watch president Pauline Swann said her organisation was highly relieved at the news. "This process has gone on for too long."

Mrs Swann urged Wellington City Council to arrange a competition to give the public a chance to come up with its ideas for the outer-T.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast said she would seek advice on how the district plan could be changed to ensure the objectives of the waterfront framework could be delivered on.

Positively Wellington Tourism chief executive Tim Cossar said the decision represented a lost opportunity. "It's a disappointing end to a fairly long process."

Hilton was one of the world's most recognised hotel brands, he said. Having one in Wellington would help fill a gap in the market.

Mr Cossar hoped another site could be found by Hilton.

His group would do what it could to help. "Any party that wants to develop tourism facilities in Wellington, we'd be interested in talking to."

Hilton Hotels Australian vice-president Ashley Spencer said the end of the waterfront proposal would not mean the end of Hilton's plans to be in Wellington.

"We are confident there will be opportunities for a Hilton hotel elsewhere in Wellington and we continue to look for such opportunities."

A Dunedin Hilton was scheduled to open in 2010 and other New Zealand developments would be announced soon, Mr Spencer said.
--------

A Dunedin Hilton was scheduled to open in 2010 and other New Zealand developments would be announced soon, Mr Spencer said.:cheers:

No offence to Hilton and anybody else, but I would love to see the appearance of other hotel chains around the country. Though I won't scoff at a well-designed Hilton offering, it would be kind of random that most of the standard classy hotels throughtout our country would all be Hilton ones. If some wealthy NZ businessman were willing to stump up the money to create a prominent New Zealand brand hotel to grace our city frontages, then that would be something as well..it may even convince objectors of this Hilton plan to think differently...but still, I cross my fingers for something good to happen for my fellow countrymen in Wellington.

I feel that a Four Seasons would be most welcome- at least by me. I will admit to having stayed at the Intercontinental a couple of times and despite its age I really like it. Every city worth its salt has to have a few high end hotels to choose from. For me, the Duxton, Bolton etc although very good are only part of it. Im certain Wellington could sustain more 5 star accommodation properties. Anybody know anything about that crappy old hotel that Serepisos bought and rebuilt to 5* standard- the one LA Galaxy stayed at? Cant think of the name.

I feel that a Four Seasons would be most welcome- at least by me. I will admit to having stayed at the Intercontinental a couple of times and despite its age I really like it. Every city worth its salt has to have a few high end hotels to choose from. For me, the Duxton, Bolton etc although very good are only part of it. Im certain Wellington could sustain more 5 star accommodation properties. Anybody know anything about that crappy old hotel that Serepisos bought and rebuilt to 5* standard- the one LA Galaxy stayed at? Cant think of the name.
Copthorne Oriental Bay.

Waterfront Watch will love this:
Cloud over waterfront plans - Council feels pinch after hotel vetoed
DAVE BURGESS - The Dominion Post | Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Wellington City Council could put some big waterfront projects on hold as it grapples with the financial fallout from the failed bid to build a Hilton Hotel.

The council-owned Wellington Waterfront wants to defer a $5.3 million upgrade of the Taranaki St Wharf, including an extension of the Frank Kitts Park lagoon and the building of a second bridge.

Instead, it would spend only $1 million on the area next year and complete the upgrade some time in the next 10 years.

The 142-room, $45 million hotel had been planned for the outer T of Queens Wharf but was rejected in an appeal to the Environment Court this year.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast said the council had been banking on revenue the building would have generated.

"There was an expectation that we would receive several millions of dollars from the hotel.

"We can't commit to do public space [developments] without the income from the outer T, and the delay from the Environment Court appeal for the Overseas Passenger Terminal upgrade puts a delay on that too."

If the Hilton had gone ahead, private developers would have funded more than $7 million of wharf strengthening which the council now had to pay for. It would cost the council $20 million to strengthen the Overseas Passenger Terminal wharf should developers lose the Environment Court appeal.
more (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/4586348a23882.html)

Down with the environment court!!

Down with the environment court!!
:banana::banana:

If this Country and its Cities want to progress and be competitive, NZ needs to get rid of DEAD WOOD now rather than later ...... Oxygen thieves !

Been a while now, here's the latest on the BNZ Waterfront:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/BNZ%20-%20Waterfront/DSCF3394.jpg

Nice - I like that ;)

Good blog at EyeOfTheFish on the new Wagamama's, located at ground level of the Meridian.

One great shot of the view out across the harbour.

http://eyeofthefish.org/wagamama-joins-mojo-at-kumutoto/

Wellington's waterfront was featured in MONUMENT magazine and praised by all :applause:

From my own lens, here are the scale models of the winning designs for the Kumutoto redevelopment. :)

Sites 7 (complete), 8, 9 & 10:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/Kumutoto%20Wharf/DSCF3435.jpg

Sites 8 & 9:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/Kumutoto%20Wharf/DSCF3436.jpg

Site 10:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/Kumutoto%20Wharf/DSCF3437.jpg

Great pics thanks! :)

Welcome back, Stan! It's been a short while...

Dunedin is planning to do this sort of thing it will be on a smaller scale but if it looks anything like Wellingtons plans I will be pleased because it all looks f****n great to me

Technically it's on Evans Bay rather than the waterfront, but Patent 326 has started construction. In keeping with the theme, the red billboard reads, "Sailing Full Steam Ahead" :)

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/Patent%20326%20-%20Evans%20Bay/DSCF3844.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/Patent%20326%20-%20Evans%20Bay/DSCF4473.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/deepred6502/Wellington%20-%20A%20City%20In%20Progress/Patent%20326%20-%20Evans%20Bay/DSCF4467.jpg

Hilton eyes new site on waterfront (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/2424846/Hilton-eyes-new-site-on-waterfront)

By MATT CALMAN and MIKE WATSON - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 20/05/2009

One of the world's biggest hotel chains is determined to build a luxury five-star hotel on Wellington's waterfront, saying the city is a strategic asset.

Hilton Hotels announced it was trying again in the capital as it unveiled plans for a $55 million redevelopment of the 120-year-old Terraces Hotel in Taupo yesterday.

An earlier attempt to build a Hilton on Wellington's Queens Wharf was scuppered by the Environment Court last year.

A company spokeswoman confirmed to The Dominion Post that sites had been investigated in central Wellington, including along the waterfront, and there was a specific site in mind.

Negotiations were well advanced and an official announcement would be made before the end of the year. Sites were also being considered in Christchurch.

Positively Wellington Tourism chief executive David Perks said the Intercontinental and Museum hotels were of a high standard, but added a five-star Hilton would be a boon to the tourism sector.

"Having the Hilton brand will send a message to customers around the world that Wellington is somewhere serious as a destination.

"There is also a loyal following among business travellers who only stay at the Hilton, and at the moment we're missing out on that." Mr Perks would not speculate on sites for the hotel but said the central city's compactness meant anywhere downtown would work.

Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce chief executive Charles Finny agreed that a Hilton Hotel would provide a "positive" boost for the city's economy. "[Some] people would like to spend more so it seems absolutely crazy that we can't satisfy this demand."

Plans for a $45m Hilton Hotel on the dilapidated Queens Wharf outer-T endorsed by film-maker Peter Jackson were sunk in March last year when the Environment Court overturned its resource consent.

Hilton Hotels manager Ashley Spencer said the court decision had been disappointing but "strategically the city is still very important to us".

"We have got to be there."

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said she was happy the hotel chain had not abandoned the city.

"The good news is they're still keen on Wellington because we need a five-star hotel."

Wellington Waterfront chief executive Ian Pike said discussions had taken place with the Hilton developers since last year's court decision.

"We're absolutely keen on having a hotel on the waterfront. We've got a number of locations that may suit."

Mr Spencer said the Hilton Lake Taupo featuring nearly 150 rooms, suites and apartments, a conference centre, restaurants and bars was due to be completed by mid-2010.

A Hilton hotel in Auckland has been operating since 2001.

WHERE WILL IT GO?

Potential waterfront sites:

* Kumutoto north of Meridian building and Queens Wharf. Earmarked as a definite site for future development by Wellington City Council.

* Watermark site above the old Rialto cinema on the corner of Taranaki and Cable streets. Site for a $200m apartment development that stalled due to lack of funds.

* Overseas Passenger Terminal earmarked for residential and retail development by Willis Bond. A $100m proposal to rebuild the terminal is awaiting an Environment Court decision.

* Taranaki St Wharf touted as a site for a Maori wharenui to be built by the Wellington Tenths Trust.

--------

Hilton eyes new site on waterfront (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/2424846/Hilton-eyes-new-site-on-waterfront)


Potential waterfront sites:

* Kumutoto north of Meridian building and Queens Wharf. Earmarked as a definite site for future development by Wellington City Council.

* Watermark site above the old Rialto cinema on the corner of Taranaki and Cable streets. Site for a $200m apartment development that stalled due to lack of funds.

* Overseas Passenger Terminal earmarked for residential and retail development by Willis Bond. A $100m proposal to rebuild the terminal is awaiting an Environment Court decision.

* Taranaki St Wharf touted as a site for a Maori wharenui to be built by the Wellington Tenths Trust.

--------

The Kumutoto North sites seem the most likely, would be a lovely Anchor building and Tenant for that end of the waterfront in the Short term, and in the long term a linkage between Harbour Quays and the existing Queens Wharf/ Meridian area.

WHERE WILL IT GO?

Potential waterfront sites:

* Watermark site above the old Rialto cinema on the corner of Taranaki and Cable streets. Site for a $200m apartment development that stalled due to lack of funds.

Watermark has been canned?????

Watermark has been canned?????

Their "secured" funding, became a little less secured, in fact it disappeared, so they are "seeking other funding avenues".

Additionally I hear their quoted sales % include a number of transactions that the banks are calling "related party" and are not counting toward required ratios or pre sales.
- so unless they can find some money fast, I would expect the pre sales contracts to all fall over if construction does not begin by June, ( to enable completion of the hotel by the RWC in 2011)

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/2294865/200m-hole-in-the-ground

Not a building, but the Taranaki Street Wharf will look a little different without it. The Hikitia should be back by the end of October.

Hikitia leaves harbour after 83 years
By TIM DONOGHUE - The Dominion Post
05/06/2009

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1244107544/273/2474273.jpg
Photo: RICHARD CRAIG
CRANE HITCHES A LIFT: The Hikitia is towed by a tug boat past Kaikoura on its way to Lyttelton.

The historic floating crane Hikitia has left Wellington for the first time in 83 years, bound for maintenance work at a Lyttelton dry dock.
more (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington/2474257/Hikitia-leaves-harbour-after-83-years)

Missing Hikitia already!

Not a building, but the Taranaki Street Wharf will look a little different without it. The Hikitia should be back by the end of October.

Was this the crane ship parked near the Te Papa Museum?

As expected it seems that Hilton are interested in Site 10 at the Northern end of Kumutoto.

But it looks like another $hit fight with watchfront watch is coming


Waterfront Watch president Pauline Swann said the hotel should not be built on any waterfront site.

"This is public land. Nobody is against the Hilton, but why put it on the waterfront?"

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington/2724355/Hilton-eyes-waterfront-site

A much more appropriate site than the Outer T, IMO.

And as usual, I'm not sure what Waterfront Watch are supposed to be protecting us all from.

That site is where the waterfront starts to get "commercial" - from here its the the refirbished brick buildings (apartments? offices?), Harbour Quays, flanked by the Cake Tin. Directly across the road is the hideous NZ Post House. And from memory, this area is almost always in shade....so will hardly be a popular hangout spot for the locals.

When are those Athfield buildings just south of this site going up?

A much more appropriate site than the Outer T, IMO.

And as usual, I'm not sure what Waterfront Watch are supposed to be protecting us all from.

From ourselves, of course.

One of the major appellants against the original Hilton proposal just happened to be the Intercontinental Hotel, for obvious reasons.

Here are some of the proposals for Wellington's Waterfront from Stuff (http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2833154/Is-that-toilet-a-crayfish-or-an-aardvark) - make sure you click on the Photo Gallery to the left.

Here are some of the proposals for Wellington's Waterfront from Stuff (http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2833154/Is-that-toilet-a-crayfish-or-an-aardvark) - make sure you click on the Photo Gallery to the left.

Orange seems to be a common theme. First the Airport makeover now an orange walkway:lol:

Orange seems to be a common theme. First the Airport makeover now an orange walkway:lol:

'cept the Airport will not stay orange (copper) for long, it will age green fairly quickly in the sea air

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/national-news/2435824/Copper-pumpkin-patch-sprouts-at-city-airport

Orange seems to be a common theme. First the Airport makeover now an orange walkway:lol:

Orange is trendy like it or not. What colour would you prefer..paige or grey?:bash:

Does anyone have the latest update on the Watermark apartments? Whether the developers have secured funding? Whether there are good deals around for this project? Thanks

^^ Last I heard it has been downsized slightly and that it would be done in stages.

Wellington Hilton hotel plan rests on height vote (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/local/3036666/Wellington-Hilton-hotel-plan-rests-on-height-vote)

By DAVE BURGESS - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 06/11/2009

A six-storey Hilton hotel on Wellington's waterfront will be a step closer if new building rules are adopted by Wellington City Council.

The council votes next week on whether the rules – contained in Variation 11, which prescribes the height and bulk of three buildings on north Kumutoto Wharf, to the north of Queens Wharf – should be written into its district plan.

The council has proposed height limits of up to 30 metres for the sites and also wants the right to allow developers to breach them by up to 15 per cent.

Independent commissioners have recommended that the council's proposed 15 per cent height discretion be scrapped. They also scaled back the height limits on two sites but agreed that the largest, opposite the end of Whitmore St, could accommodate a 30-metre-high, six-storey building.

Wellington Waterfront chief executive Ian Pike said talks were "reasonably progressed" with Hilton for a five-star hotel on the Whitmore St block, now being used as a car park.

"They have to some degree been on hold waiting for the Variation 11 decision and I think they will take quite considerable comfort in the fact that the process is much more streamlined. It gives them a much greater degree of certainty."

Last year the Environment Court blocked a Hilton on the outer T of Queens Wharf. The hotel had been planned under existing rules that allow the public to appeal against developments. The rules recommended by the commissioners would remove that right unless height and bulk guidelines were breached.

Councillor Helene Ritchie said it would be highly irresponsible for the council to pass the rules because the public had consistently said the waterfront should be an "open public space".

"This exhumes development – with a capital D – on the waterfront."

But Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said Variation 11 had been widely consulted on and was not part of a developer-friendly programme.

"It'll remove any doubts in some sections of the community that the city council and Wellington Waterfront Ltd want to privatise the waterfront."

The two smaller sites – sites 8 and 9 – have been earmarked for buildings designed by architect Ian Athfield, but the lower height restrictions have raised doubts that they will be built.

"It is going to be difficult to make those work. Site 10 [the Hilton site] will be worked on first and then the waterfront company can look at boutique-type developers for those two sites," Ms Prendergast said.

"However, I believe the commissioners have made fair and reasonable recommendations."

There are also plans for a temporary campervan park on Site 10.

WASTELAND MAKEOVER

* Variation 11 to the district plan aims to help transform the bleak, inhospitable, under-utilised northern Kumutoto Wharf section of the waterfront into an area that is busy, vibrant and attractive.

* It would give Wellingtonians a degree of certainty about the sort of buildings that could go up in the Kumutoto area.

* The intent of Variation 11 stems from the Wellington Waterfront Framework formulated in 2001 and was specifically mentioned in the document.

* The council believes a mixture of buildings and public spaces is the best way of transforming the area from the tar-sealed wasteland it is now.

* Variation 11 proposes that buildings up to a moderate height would benefit the area and help link it to the CBD.

What happens next?

* Council votes on Variation 11 on November 11.

* Councillors cannot amend the commissioners' recommendations.

* If it is not passed, then it must be re-heard in front of all councillors.

Variation 11

Council proposals:

* Site 10 – 30m + 15 per cent height discretion.

* Site 9 – 25.5m + 15 per cent discretion.

* Site 8 – 17.5m + 15 per cent discretion.

Commissioners' recommendations:

* Site 10 – 30m, no height discretion.

* Site 9 – 16m to 25m, no height discretion.

* Site 8 – 16m, no height discretion.

* 60 per cent of the ground floors must be publicly accessible.

--------

Wellington waterfront waka house gets go-ahead
By TIM DONOGHUE - The Dominion Post
05/12/2009

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1259917469/411/3129411.jpg

An $11 million canoe house, designed to look as if a Maori cloak has been thrown over the roof, is to be built on Wellington's waterfront.

The design features a marae-style entrance and an aluminium cover over the roof, depicting the cloaking of an ancestor.
more (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/local/3129381/Wellington-waterfront-waka-house-gets-go-ahead)

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1259918573/409/3129409.jpg:cheers:

Yeah, that's pretty good. I had been concerned that this development would be on the grass by the lagoon. Good location.

Looks good, although I do not like that boat crane that parks up near te papa. It looks hideous and I wish it would park it's rear end at the other end of the wharf.

There appears to be an inconsistency in the two renders, the first one appears to show a new addition to the "city to sea" bridge leading directly to the existing paved area infront of St Johns/ Stock exchange/ Brewery.

But the second view shows that existing bridge with no new walkway...

Any one know which one is the more correct...?

There appears to be an inconsistency in the two renders, the first one appears to show a new addition to the "city to sea" bridge leading directly to the existing paved area infront of St Johns/ Stock exchange/ Brewery.

But the second view shows that existing bridge with no new walkway...

Any one know which one is the more correct...?

I think that the extended bridge is still part of the long-term plan for the area, but not part of the specific Wharewaka project.

I think that the extended bridge is still part of the long-term plan for the area, but not part of the specific Wharewaka project.

So why was it included in the new renders?
I mean jetpacks and skycars are part of my long term plans too.. but until they come to fruition I tend to leave them out of day to day conversation ;)

So why was it included in the new renders?
I mean jetpacks and skycars are part of my long term plans too.. but until they come to fruition I tend to leave them out of day to day conversation ;)

Because:

(a) it would have been easier to re-do an existing illustration than draw it from scratch (they are hand illustrations rather than purely CG)
(b) the view from the proposed new bridge gives a good overview
(c) since the bridge & landscaping have resource consent, they're a little more realistic than jetpacks :-)

Well, they didn't muck around.
As we speak a crawler crane is being assembled on the site, and I suspect they be getting stuck into foundation work once the new year rolls around.

$4.8m revamp plan for waterfront 'jewel'
By DAVE BURGESS - The Dominion Post

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1271364199/291/3589291.jpg

An estimated $4.8 million restoration of the Clyde Quay boat harbour is proposed to turn it into the "jewel in the crown of the waterfront" for Wellingtonians.

The Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club has asked Wellington City Council to fund $175,000 to investigate, design and gain resource consent for the project – maybe as early as the middle of next year.

If approved, council funding would be spread across several years with final payment in 2014-15.

Boardwalks and floating platforms would stretch from Freyberg Pool to the Overseas Terminal where the historic yacht Rona would be displayed.

A T-shaped pier would provide short-term mooring for visiting yachts outside the yacht club's headquarters.

The Clyde Quay harbour would have two distinct zones. The Civic Amenities zone would include a Royal Port Nic Cafe, remote-controlled model yacht hire, and a history park at the northwest corner of the harbour.

There are also plans for a Wellington Harbour Sails outlet that would allow the public to go for a sail on a hired yacht.

A Wellington Aquatic Cluster at the Freyberg end of the harbour would become a hub for sports.

The yacht club intends to work alongside secondary schools to establish a Powered by the Wind learning centre. It would teach youngsters things such as how power is generated using ocean waves.

Club chief executive Dean Stanley said the changing nature of sports club membership had sparked the proposal, which had been worked on for nine months.

"People tend to get involved [in clubs] on a non-formal basis much more these days. We need to create an environment where people can come and participate in our sport without necessarily being members ... we will have a home base where Wellingtonians can be fanatical about our sailors."

There is also a need to change the perception that the land in front of the club is privately owned, when it is actually owned by the council.

"We really want to change that perception so Wellingtonians view Clyde Quay boat harbour as the jewel in the crown of the waterfront.

"A hundred years ago it was the go-to place but that has faded as the rest of the waterfront was developed around us."

Boats stored in the council-owned boatsheds would have to be carried to the water to be launched, Mr Stanley said. "It would be no major drama."

The council's sports portfolio leader, John Morrison, said a memorandum of understanding had been signed with the club about two years ago.

"The key thing is public access along the promenade. It really will open it up and make it a great space, not just for what the yacht club wants to do but what others want to do as well.

"It provides a missing pedestrian link along the waterfront."

The council is due to consider the proposal within the next two months.

Finalists in the design for the redevelopment of the waterfront's "Outer T", the site of the abandoned Hilton Hotel.

http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/outer_t_galleries/finalists.htm

Finalists in the design for the redevelopment of the waterfront's "Outer T", the site of the abandoned Hilton Hotel.

http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/outer_t_galleries/finalists.htm

Is it me or are these *seriously* amatuerish? I mean the quality of the graphics is great and I totally appreciate the unpaid work and inspiration that has gone into them. But that said when you take away the pretty pictures of old sailing ships and hundreds of happy children, and look at the actual design, don't these look ...naff? The first one in particular is just shocking. Pretty much it seems to involve building up a wall around the edge of the dock so no one can see the water and creating a sense of being cut off from the water. And much of that wall appears to consist of pre-fab building site huts...

Here's an original idea: wouldn't a hotel out there be nice? Guaranteed to attract people, shows the best Wellington has to offer to visitors....

Here's an original idea: wouldn't a hotel out there be nice? Guaranteed to attract people, shows the best Wellington has to offer to visitors....

Tried and failed. Blame the Environment Court.

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1259918573/409/3129409.jpg:cheers:

looking good!

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8193/dsc3621zl.jpg

looking good!

The "Haters and wreckers" would tend to disagree

ttp://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=26197 (http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=26197)

looking good!

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8193/dsc3621zl.jpg

Has the inlet in front of the rowing club been expanded? I don't remember it being that close to the St Johns Building (white, far right)

it's hard to tell cause it's quite far from the fence, but i'm pretty sure they've pushed it out all the way around where the little wharf used to be.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8193/dsc3621zl.jpg


Its been made a little bigger

Fritz Shone| panoramio (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/17154514)
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/17154514.jpg

The "Haters and wreckers" would tend to disagree

ttp://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=26197 (http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=26197)

laugh out loud...

their view blocked.. there used to be a big grassy hill there. i wonder if these people complained when that was flattened too.

they could always just walk to the public space on the other side of the new building to get the same view of the harbour they're complaining of losing.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/5745509614_3efc49d29c_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/5744959249_dcfdc235dc_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/5744966039_db090672cd_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5745531756_d96452820e_z.jpg

Nice :).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/5838546153_f4514b6fc2_b.jpg

It's nice from that angle. A great link between the city and the water! For some reason, the building itself just doesn't look new in my eyes. It looks the same era as MFC.