Greening up the brownfield: The reclamation of Auckland tankfarm - Sho Kasuya

Western reclamation, also known as the Auckland tank farm is located on the western most edge of Aucklands CBD. Its unique harbour side location and its close proximity to the urban metropolis make this site a prime piece of real estate for Aucklands waterfront precinct. The site itself is built on a large 35 hectare reclaimed land, and is currently occupied by mixed marine and industrial activities. The tank farms located on this site, has been used to store bulk liquid chemicals, such as petroleum, molasses and vegetable oil. Over the long duration of use, there is a high chance, that areas around these sites will be highly contaminated. However, major opportunity arise, as current land leases held by these industries will expire over the next 20 years. Which brings forth the largest regeneration opportunity for Auckland, to restore and revitalize this brownfield site into a dynamic waterfront developement.

Design Intent: The strategic drivers for this site are the two core axes that connect the site to the surrounding landscapes. The North- South axis, is a major green connection that connects Victoria park (south) to Head land park (North), this connection is further reinforced though the introduction of a new pedestrian over pass that runs above Fanshawe street (8 lane arterial road), allowing for a strong pedestrian connection into the site. The East-West connection has also been reinforced through the introduction ofthe new Te Wero bridge connection. (Refer to sketch 1) This will allow for a better pedestrian access from Viaduct and Brittomart transport centre. These Axis also correlate to the locations of major landmarks for this site, which includes the new waterfront theatre building, located at the northern tip of this site. (Refer to sketch 2) The central hub of the site will incorporate the use of mixed use development, which will allow for residential, commercial, retail and industrial development to all take place on site. The efficient use of these mixed use buildings, also allow for a compact design approach to urban development, reinforcing idea of sustainability and walkable urban developments. The character that will be associated with this design will relate closely to the urban, marine and industrial character of this site. Where some remnants of the industrial tank farms, have been intentionally left to retain an industrial sense of place to this site.