Plan change proposed for Seaview Marina

The Seaview Marina Board has requested a change to the District Plan to allow development at the Marina, located in the northeast point of Wellington Harbour.

The Seaview Marina is a Hutt City Council Controlled Organisation and has around 300 marina berths for boats up to 20m in length, a boat launching ramp, boat yard and haul-out facilities.

The Marina has reached maximum floor area under the current district plan provisions. The Marina is also restricted in allowed activities, for example the one commercial retail building allowed can only sell products for marine purposes.

The proposed changes would focus on enhancing the marine functions, such as dry stack facilities for boats. The change would also allow for the future consideration of café and retail activity and apartments.

Seaview Marina Chief Executive Alan McLellan says, "This is very much about enhancing the marine aspect of this area - looking after our existing boaties and other users by enhancing the functions of the Marina is a priority. We are also exploring possibilities for future development. It's a very sheltered spot on the harbour with great potential."


Seaview Marina. Left image: concept drawing of possible future development. Right: existing Marina. Photo courtesy of Hutt City Council

Council is working with the Marina with a particular focus on the recreation provisions of the Marina through the plan change. The proposed design includes the shared pathway 'The Great Harbour Way' going through the Marina, public parking retained and good public access to the waterfront.

If the proposed Plan Change goes through, Seaview Marina would retain ownership and remain a Council Controlled Organisation.

Hazards such as sea level rise have been identified and would be assessed as part of the plan change process, likely to result in specific design requirements for buildings and other developments.

Council will soon begin discussions on these proposed changes with residents. The initial focus is on discussion with iwi and key stakeholders that includes Marina users, nearby businesses and nearby residents.

These discussions are expected to go into March 2016.

Following these discussions, if the decision is made to proceed with a plan change application the public will be notified and a formal consultation process will begin.

For more information visit www.huttcity.govt.nz/dp-seaview