Council’s plans to make changes to Sandspit wharf have been discussed with several Sandspit and Kawau community groups.

The plans have caused frustration amongst locals and Kawau Island residents, as they believe the proposed changes do not maximise the usage of the area and instead put pressure on the facilities at Sandspit.

The proposal includes the following:

• The removal of the information centre/ferry ticket office
• The demolition of the cafe
• Relocation of the toilets 
• More car parks for the area, including the creation of an overflow parking area on the reserve which would only be available for use in summer.

The idea is that there would be a single multi functional building, rather than three separate buildings which would help reduce maintenance costs and thus create space for more carparks.

Image Credit: Delwyn Dickey via Stuff.co.nz

Locals argue that this proposal would mean only a few extra car parks would be created, there would be a loss of the iconic views from the café and the current car park attendant’s house would not be big enough to accommodate the functions the council has planned.

The use of Sandspit reserve to create a temporary car park is very upsetting to residents.

Kawau Island advisory committee feels there would be a lack of dedicated car parking spaces for Kawau islanders, a lack of a dedicated exit for Sandspit’s main car park and a restricted ability for cars and buses to turn around in the wharf area.

Many of us agree that the area could do with some upgrades and are keen to have our say. What do you think of the proposal?