With the help of Beca and Urban Solutions, Auckland City Council provided a beach restoration that showed consideration for the local community, and preserved and enhanced natural surroundings.
The stretch of coastline in Auckland's eastern suburb of Kohimarama had experienced considerable sand erosion over many years, which threatened the seawall supporting Tamaki Drive.
Auckland City Council opted for a beach replenishment scheme, placing a barrier of sand between the high tide and the existing seawall to protect Tamaki Drive, and at the same time providing an all-tide premier beach for the public to enjoy.
Beca was commissioned to provide design services, coastal modelling and ongoing technical advice, and worked closely with Urban Solutions, who was appointed as project manager.
50,000m3 of sand was dredged from deepwater in the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland, transported by barge and pumped ashore to form 20,000m2 of pristine, all-tide beach.
Two new headlands were created at either end of the beach to 'contain' the new sand to minimise further loss. These headlands were built with a sand/cement core and reinforced gunite exterior, resulting in a natural sandstone-like appearance in keeping with the existing coastal environment.
Existing stormwater outfalls were consolidated into two submerged locations under the beach. The larger outfalls were diverted through the naturalistic headland structures. A boat ramp upgrade, timber boardwalk and additional landscaping completed the project.
The beach was opened to the public in October 2004 to enthusiastic support from the local community. The success at Kohimarama resulted in Council's commitment to a $7.4 million, 7-year beach replenishment programme for other local beaches.
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