As part of Auckland’s City Centre Masterplan (CCMP), Queens Wharf continues its transformation into a vibrant, people-focused waterfront. Following the successful Western Edge upgrade, the next stage focused on restoring the heritage steps and creating a new viewing platform at the northern end, a project that blends historic character with contemporary engineering.

This development enhances public access and provides a unique vantage point over Te Waitematā Harbour, reinforcing the wharf’s role as a destination for connection and celebration. The design approach respects the original heritage fabric while introducing modern safety and durability standards. To achieve this, the deck structure and brackets are fabricated from Duplex Stainless Steel grades 2205 and 2507, chosen for their exceptional strength and corrosion resistance in a highly aggressive marine environment. Our team welded to AS/NZS 1556.6 standard for duplex which passed all testing during our Quality Assurance processes.

For the balustrade system, Stainless Steel 316 and Duplex 2205 are used to deliver both structural integrity and refined aesthetics. Components underwent bead blasting and electropolishing, ensuring a smooth, corrosion-resistant finish that will withstand the harsh coastal conditions while maintaining a premium architectural appearance. To maintain design continuity across the area, the Carl Stahl XT3 X-Tend Mesh balustrade infill was extended onto the deck, even incorporating the XT3 into one distinctive rhomboid-shaped panel for a seamless, refined finish.

Installation presented unique challenges, including integrating new structural components with existing heritage elements, managing tidal constraints, and achieving seamless transitions between old and new, all while keeping the wharf operational for public use. Precision modelling and adaptive detailing were critical to ensure the installation of the deck structure aligned perfectly with the pre-installed support brackets and existing concrete wharf.

This project is not just about restoration; it’s about creating a space that honours Auckland’s maritime history while embracing the future, a viewing platform that invites people to pause, reflect, and enjoy the city’s most iconic waterfront setting.

Client: Auckland Council – Auckland Urban Development Office

Engineers: GHD & Lautrec

Architect: Isthmus

Project Management: BECA