New Floating Wharves and Toilets for Next Stage of Port Redevelopment
The Grey District Council will shortly be calling for contractors as the $3.48 million port development enters its next stage.
This phase will involve:
- Removal of ageing Blaketown berths on the western side of the harbour. Work will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption.
- Construction of new floating marina berths, as well as a heavy-loading wharf near the entrance to the Blaketown Lagoon. In total, around 20 additional berths will be created, catering not only to commercial boats but also to private vessels.
- Installation of modern toilet and washroom facilities for port users, also on the Blaketown side.
The upgrade will also include increased security, with the new floating marina accessed via a card or other secure entry system.
Port safety will be further enhanced through the acquisition of a brand-new port vessel to conduct bar soundings and other general port works, reducing reliance on external contractors.
The Port of Greymouth development is being supported by $2.3 million in funding from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, with an additional $1.2 million contributed by Development West Coast (DWC).
Peter O’Sullivan, Council Group Manager for Economic Development and Regulatory Services, said the economic benefits from the first stage of work, including the upgraded slipway, are already being felt.
“There has been a noticeable increase in the number of vessels using the upgraded slipway, which is providing flow-on benefits to local engineering and marine service businesses,” he said.
Planning is underway for Stage 3, which includes further improvements and enhancements to the Port of Greymouth.
Mr O’Sullivan is also working on resilience improvements, including provision for additional coastal shipping after a seismic event. Strengthening part of the Richmond Wharf and a roll-on roll-off facility for barge operators are also in planning.
Further information on the tenders will be posted at: greydc.govt.nz
