14 November 2008 - The City Development Committee today endorsed two possible plans as the basis for negotiations with the Auckland Regional Council, the New Zealand Transport Agency and other parties to develop the Onehunga Foreshore as a high quality open space and coastal environment.

These are the the Onehunga foreshore draft masterplan 2008 developed by council in consultation with stakeholders and The Onehunga Enhancement Society (TOES) foreshore restoration plan

In August 2008, the committee reviewed three possible development proposals for the area and in principle supported the proposal submitted by TOES.

The committee also requested that council take the lead to develop a master plan in consultation with various stakeholders including the Maungakiekie Community Board and TOES.

Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chairperson of the City Development Committee says, "The New Zealand Transport Agency motorway expansion project for the State Highway 20 Manukau Harbour crossing has provided Council with the opportunity to develop the Onehunga foreshore into a high quality open space and coastal environment."

"The proposed Onehunga foreshore draft masterplan advocates a significant enhancement to the foreshore. Our preference is for the more ambitious proposal of TOES and we will encourage our funding partners to allocate increased funds to give effect to the enhanced foreshore restoration plan, "Mr Bhatnagar says.

The foreshore improvements proposed in the Onehunga foreshore draft master plan are estimated to cost $25.2 million and include approximately 3.8 hectares of coastal reclamation. The estimated cost of the pedestrian overbridge and the landward side development is $9.2 million.

The TOES foreshore restoration plan is estimated to cost $37.6 million and includes approximately 15.3 hectares of coastal reclamation.

These plans will be presented for consideration at council's Long Term Community Plan Direction Setting process on 18 November 2008.

"If capital funding is approved, council will continue negotiations with the Auckland Regional Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency regarding potential contributions to the project," says Mr Bhatnagar.