Queen’s Wharf Design Competition

The future of this precious site at the heart of Auckland’s waterfront will be to welcome our international visitors, to showcase our diverse local identity, and to celebrate New Zealand's place in the world.

The shortlisted ‘100% Public’ design competition scheme for a new cruise terminal at Queen’s Wharf recognises the waterfront as a space for people, and prioritises pedestrian occupation of the surface of the wharf. The ‘100% Public’ scheme has public space at its heart, and seeks the creation of iconic places rather than iconic objects. 

The bold form of the cruise terminal reflects the desire of Aucklanders to have ongoing and unobstructed access to their waterfront - Queens Wharf belongs to the people of Auckland, and ongoing public use must remain the priority of any development. The design seeks to mediate this tension between ongoing public and commercial use of the wharf by treating the entire surface of the wharf as occupiable public space- developing a new cruise ship terminal on the Shed 10 site, with a publically accessible inclined roof plane leading to a ‘headland’ vantage point to the harbour and the events space located at the northern end of the wharf.

Shed 11 has been retained as a base for events, with glazing to provide visibility of the interior and a number of smaller structures to support event activities. Along the western edge of the wharf steps and terraced seating provide access to a harbour pool set within the perimeter of the wharf. Linking this part of Queen’s Wharf to the entry from Quay Street is an “urban lawn” and paved surface which follows the oblique alignment of the existing ferry terminal. 

Provision is made for the location of permanent sculptures/public artwork and for a programme of curated art events. The cultural programme breathes life into Queen’s Wharf by recognising the unique nature of the waterfront site, exposure to the elements, water’s edge vistas and ‘headland’ destination.

The scheme was submitted by Tasman Studio - a consortium comprising Warren and Mahoney, Moller Architects, Boffa Miskell and Beca.