Murrays Bay wharf now open
Liam Beachman, 12, Sarah Scholz and Matthew Beachman leaping from the new Murrays Bay Wharf.
Murrays Bay’s new wharf is open and has plenty of space for people to fish, dive and jump off it.
The much-loved landmark includes a 69m long wharf that is 2.5m wide, with four viewing and fishing bays and a wide jumping platform.
The project was a priority for Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. It was completed in seven months at a cost of 1.9 million.
50-year consent will future proof wharf
Auckland Council Manager Local Parks Martin van Jaarsveld says the new wharf is low maintenance and future proofed, with a 50-year consent.
“The new structure is built on piles sunk six metres into the seabed,” he says.
Debris moved for safety reasons
“Debris found on the sea bed during construction included old railway beams from earlier wharves. This has been removed for safety reasons.”
“An environmentally certified hardwood known as Brazilian Ash has been used for the timber decking, seats and handrails, cutting down on maintenance.”
The Beachman family help cut the ribbon to open the new Murrays Bay Wharf.
Family connection
The local Beachman family opened the wharf at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and – with their dog, Muffin – also took the first jump off the new platform.
Richard Beachman was the President of the Murrays Bay Resident and Ratepayers Association until his death and was instrumental in helping the local board to get the wharf designs over the line with the community.
Open to the public
You can now access the reserve and neighbouring walkway.
However, some areas will be fenced off temporarily to let grass and new plants grow as these will protect the pōhutukawa along the coast.