ABOUT
Mechanics Bay is now the site of a container terminal for the Ports of Auckland. Mechanics Bay is also called the Fergusson Container Terminal which is one of New Zealand’s main ports for overseas imports. It is always active with around the clock activities and is labelled as New Zealand’s busiest terminal and is the largest refrigerated port in the southern hemisphere. For the public there is a 400 metre walk along the side of the terminal where you can view the five large Chinese made cranes. The walk comes to an end very quickly and is the only way that you can interact with the Mechanics Bay area. Mechanics Bay also has a heliport where Inflight Charters offer, private plane rides, boat charters and helicopter rides which go around the Auckland CBD, beaches and islands, as well as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter pad. On the wharf's edge there is also a New York styled bar and restaurant called Mikano.
OUR PROPOSAL
Our proposal is to involve Panuku Development in the expansion of Mechanics Bay through the extension of the aesthetics of the Viaduct Harbour, which represents the rich history and culture that the area has. The Viaduct Harbour, and areas such as Silo Park, once were very industrial-like areas and have since been converted today into a beautiful area that is welcoming to both residents and tourists. Vibrant colours, playgrounds, restaurants, and signs that tell you about the area, have given new light to once a rather gloomy area, much like what Mechanics Bay is today. The heavy flow of trucks, cranes, containers and tall fences have an unwelcoming feel towards by-passes, with no opportunities to learn about the area and its rich history that it holds.
WHATS NEXT
To further our idea we thought we would incorporated a fun experience for visitors in the Mechanics Bay area. Combining modern technology with rich history, we plan to create a QR code for the public to scan, using their smart phones, to learn about the history of the area. The purpose of this is to bring the importance of the Mechanics Bay to the attention of the public and to make it a much more valuable place that it deserves. A quirky quote to catch a pedestrians attention or table decoration at the local restaurants would intrigue them to know more about the area, just by scanning a QR code.
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