Urban waterfronts: similarities & redevelopment: a comparative study of selected urban waterfronts in New Zealand

Abstract

One of the most striking types of urban redevelopment in recent years has been the revitalisation of redundant and decaying waterfronts. Hoyle suggests that this is a world-wide phenomenon Hoyle, 1988, p. 5. Major waterfront redevelopment projects are occurring in many cities around the world, such as; Amsterdam, Barcelona, Boston, Buenos Aires, Capetown, Jakarta, Dublin, London, San Francisco, Sydney, Tokyo, Vancouver, and Wellington. Waterfront redevelopment is not limited by the size of city or town. Projects are taking place within very small cities, such as Allegan, in the state of Michigan, USA, with a population of only 5000, as well as in very large cities such as New York, with a population of over 7 million people. Breen, 1994, p. 11. Due to technological and social changes over the last few decades, waterfronts have often been abandoned and are now available to be reclaimed and utilised by the public. The effective reuse of these waterfront sites and buildings for recreational, cultural, civic, and economic benefit offers many possibilities. However, waterfront redevelopment is a complex task requiring the understanding of the historical role of waterfronts in urban development, the characteristics of present day waterfronts, and the factors and issues that influence waterfront development. Ibid, p. 8. This report begins with a summary of historical developments and changes of waterfront areas in general, with reference to six New Zealand ports chosen for study. Factors that helped initiate the waterfront redevelopment phenomenon are identified and discussed. This is followed by a section on the association between the city and the waterfront and the important issues concerning waterfront redevelopment. The information and ideas in these sections forms the basis for a study of selected waterfront areas in New Zealand.