National Ocean Water Sports Centre at Takapuna Beach
North Shore to Become New Zealand Hub for Sailing and Water Sports
Takapuna Beach is to become the home of New Zealand sailing and water sports after last month’s announcement that the new National Ocean Water Sports Centre will be based on its shores.
The creation of this facility is part of the major expansion and funding injection into high performance sport in New Zealand, which saw the government announce new Budget funding of $10 million in 2010/11; $15 million in 2011/12, and $20 million annually after that, meaning by the 2012/13 year, total funding for high performance sport will be over $60 million annually.
The Government and North Shore City Council have each committed $3 million to the centre, with the balance to be raised by the sporting sector. Takapuna is already known as a prime spot for ocean sports. This new $8 million facility is set to boost that reputation by creating a world-class hub for Sailing, Triathlon and Ocean Kayaking.
It is anticipated that New Zealand yachting will relocate to the facility, which will act as a sister centre to Mairangi Bay’s Millennium Institute, which was re-branded last month as part of the government’s funding boost, making the North Shore the home of elite sports in New Zealand.
Sports Minister Murray McCully said the centre will be a valuable addition to the National Training Centre for High Performance Sport, where athletes will receive specialist training in their discipline on the beach, while having ready access to the near-by National Training Centre’s world-class fitness training, sports medicine, and sports science work.
"It will bring together Yachting New Zealand's high-performance programmes into a single hub at a purpose-built facility on the edge of Takapuna beach," he said. "The Ocean Water Sports Centre will also be an outstanding venue for hosting major international yachting events, complete with media and corporate hospitality facilities."
One notable aspect of the facility is its prime beachfront location, which architects Warren and Mahoney have done their best to fully utilise, while leaving minimal effect on the environment and beachfront views.
Known as The Bunker, the majority of the National Ocean Water Sports Centre will be located underground, stretching from the current site of the Takapuna Boat Club, back to the adjoining carpark, creating an underground space 36 metres long by 60 metres wide - which will be covered back to the existing land level and topped with a deck and viewing area.
The facility will be able to store around 80 boats, plus RS:X and Techno windsurfers, along with kayaks, paddleboards, surfskis, waka and other ocean sporting equipment.
North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams said he was delighted the North Shore would play such an important role in New Zealand sport.
“The Ocean Water Sports Centre for the North Shore is wonderful news and places Takapuna on the international water sports map,” he said. “Coupled with the expansion of the Millennium Institute, it will make the North Shore known internationally as the headquarters of elite high performance water sports. The potential spin offs for growth and tourism are enormous.”
“The centre will provide an ideal vantage point during national and international regattas, and swimming, kayaking, and triathlon events at Takapuna beach and in the Hauraki Gulf.”
Planning on the facility is expected to be finished by mid-September, with opening scheduled for 2011.
Artists impression of the National Ocean Water Sports development from the Takapuna Beach reserve (above). Plans (left) show layout of underground facility and overhead view of new public area above ground and realignment of the road. Artists impression (bottom right) shows the futuristic look of the top entrance to the facility. The architects are Warren and Mahoney.
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