The club is currently investigating the feasibility of an expansion to the existing marina, with features included that will address the difficulties being experienced of sedimentation with the marina and its approaches.
The proposal to enclose the marina with a breakwater provides the opportunity to create additional berthage. The project is currently being assessed for technical feasibility and preliminary costing.
The key features of the marina expansion project comprise:
- An expansion downriver to the Information centre wharf
- An enclosing breakwater that will protect berths from siltation and NE winds.
- 30 additional recreational vessel berths, ranging from 12 – 18 m.
- Efficiencies in operation and maintenance due to increased scale
The Whakatane District Council has received funding approval from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) for the vitalisation of the town centre and they have a desire to ‘turn the town around’ to improve the connectivity of the Strand to the river. We see the marina proposal as being supportive of this endeavour.
This marina expansion proposal is seen as complementary to the new commercial boat harbour facility (currently under construction) a further 2.50 km up the river from the Yacht Club site. Expanding the berthage for recreational boats in Whakatane will result in additional demand for the haul-out and maintenance facilities that are proposed at the commercial boat harbour.
The diagrams as depicted on this site are indicative of what is seen as a workable layout. Final design and layout will not be confirmed until after the consenting process is undertaken.
Berth Licence Costs
The expansion project will utilise the same licensing and business model as the existing marina. There is no developer involvement nor is there any external funding. The licence cost will simply reflect the cost of the development. Similarly, the ongoing operational costs are met by berth-holder levy. It is a not-for-profit operation run for the benefit of club members.
Licence terms will include an indexed value model, and a duration commensurate with the duration of the various consents held.
Timeline
While work proceeds on feasibility components, no substantive progress can be made until all berths have been assigned a prospective berth-holder.
From that point onward, it is estimated that there would be a two-year timeline to the commencement of construction.
Talk to the project convenors
Don Lewell: 027 270 9632
Barry Cutfield: 021 165 2822
Register your interest.
If you are keen to own a berth at the new expanded facility, then please register your interest by email to:
whakataneyachtmarina@gmail.com
Please state your contact details and the length of berth that you may be most interested in.