Oamaru Waterfront Development Plan - Shea Gillison

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The Oamaru Harbour will be reconnected with the town and its people, creating a destination that is celebrated by both locals and visitors. The new harbour will encourage and facilitate the harmonious balance of commercial operations, tourism, recreation and development all set in a green network that threads together the heritage centrepieces that define its character. Guiding Principles: - Celebrate and Enhance Cultural Heritage The harbour is a window through which we can gain an understanding of the history of Oamaru. It provides cues to the natural history and rich industrial, commercial and recreational activities that define its character. The Harbour side should celebrate these narratives in a way that informs visitors of the sites past. - Reconnecting the town to the Waterfront The structure of the town feels as though it has turned its back to the harbour. The design must look at ways to integrate both psychical and visual connections between the harbour and the town to encourage visitors to the waterfront. - Accentuate the seaside location of the site The harbour should be a place that offers plenty of opportunities to view and interact with the water and highlight its historical importance. Create destinations within the harbour that support waterfront activity and incorporate environmental and historical interpretative cues. - Create an environment of diverse activity The harbour-side will be a place that will accommodate a wide range of activities throughout the day and night. These would include major community gatherings to individual recreation or relaxation in spaces that would encourage creativity.