America's Cup bases a few tanks closer to completion
by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com/nz 26 Oct 2018 18:58 NZDT
26 October 2018
Tanks waiting to be crushed - Repairs and Rectification - Wynyard Wharf - Auckland - October 25, 2018 © Richard Gladwell
Various projects are underway or in start up around the Wynyard Point area to create bases for the 36th America's Cup.
The obvious task is the clearing of former oil and hazardous substances tanks from Wynyard Point is underway, with the tanks being lifted off their bases, turned on their sides and crushed in preparation for removal.
Already one of Stolthaven's bases has been cleared, with a second waiting, and a third operated by Bulk Storage Terminals is also decommissioned and ready for removal.
While the tank removal is the obvious part of the exercise, the next steps involve removal of pipes and starting decontamination work.
On adjacent Wynyard Wharf - the part of the project with one of the longest timelines, wharf reconstruction has begun with the 80year old wharf needing restoration, before the gap between the wharf and Wynyard Point is filled in to form a flat tarmac.
Aucklanders will soon have to get used to a new, flat low lying landscape as Wynyard Point which was developed by the former Auckland Harbour Board in the 1930's takes on a new form.
On the former Viaduct Events Centre work is well underway rectifying the damaged sideramp which will give the public access and oversight of the AC75 launch area.
Not seen in the images or video is the massive construction effort which is underway between Fanshawe Street and Jellicoe Street where multiple construction not direct related to the America's Cup are underway.