2013: Auckland Transport (AT) suggested to the Kaipatiki Local Board (KLB) that they should spend some of their transportation funds building a bike parking facility on Birkenhead Wharf.
This project went ahead without any consultation being undertaken by the AT planners. It even ignored a North Shore City Council report which indicated there was minimal demand for cycle parking at Birkenhead Wharf – whereas other wharves showed demand for parking.
When the bike shed suddenly appeared on the wharf, over 600 people signed a petition that was presented to the Kaipatiki Local Board.
In early 2014, local residents formed a group called the Hinemoa Park Placemaking Group (HiPP) which brought together representatives of the many groups who use Hinemoa Park and Birkenhead Wharf: ferry users, local residents, cyclists, motor scooter users, the Waka Ama group, the Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club (NBYC), people who fish from the wharf and people who fish from boats.
Representatives presented to the KLB who resolved to ask Auckland Transport to report back in a year on the usage of the bike shed and other matters. This report was circulated last week. (Early July 2015)
On Wednesday 8 July 2015, the KLB heard deputations from the Birkenhead Residents Association and the Hinemoa Park Placemaking Group. They then discussed the AT report, which failed to provide information on usage or amenity impacts and simply recommended the status quo.
AT has, however, clearly advised (in writing) that they will remove the bike shed if KLB instruct them to.
The Board agreed to the proposal to form a community led a working group with a view to resolving this situation, while still supporting all parties interests.
Watch for further updates from the Hinemoa Park Placemaking Group who will lead the working group. We are optimistic that the issue will be resolved and the current shed removed, being replaced with more appropriate cycle and scooter parking facilities.