Investors as well as refit yard operators are being offered a unique opportunity to capitalize on New Zealand’s growing reputation as a superyacht refit destination in an investor process which has started this week. Owned by local Council organization Waterfront Auckland, the Wynyard Marine site represents one of the last remaining prime waterfront blocks on the western edge of Auckland’s waterfront.
Silo Marina - a lovely Auckland yacht holiday destination
The 1.6 hectare site is situated in the heart of a thriving marine business cluster and opposite the largest marina in the Southern Hemisphere, Westhaven Marina, and adjacent to the recently developed superyacht berths at Silo Marina.
Expressions of Interest are being invited from marine/superyacht refit and yard operators, developers and investors (including specialist marine infrastructure investors), to acquire a long term leasehold interest in 16,241m2 of marine zoned land and a water space licence over the water space immediately adjacent to the land with an area of 10,663m2.
Within the current zoning parameters there is also capacity for the development of 7,550m2 (gross floor area) of marine, commercial and retail space and 6,000 m2 (gross floor area) of residential and/or serviced apartments.
Auckland has witnessed an influx of visiting superyachts in recent years with the development of Silo Marina which has played host to some of the largest and most well-known vessels in the global fleet.
Buoyed by this growing popularity as a refit destination and by the resurgence of new builds locally and internationally, the NZ Marine Industry Association together with Tourism New Zealand are progressing an investment and marketing strategy to double the number of superyachts visiting the country over the next five years.
Waterfront Auckland Chief Executive John Dalzell says the Wynyard Marine site offers a superb opportunity to capitalise on New Zealand’s growing refit market.
“The site is unrivalled in terms of its access to a city centre, a thriving marine business cluster and some of the South Pacific’s finest cruising grounds.”
“There’s no doubt these attributes combined with the convenience and access to a local talent pool of world class operators and designers, will provide a competitive advantage over other international yard locations.”
Interim use of the development site has seen it operate as a homebase for the Luna Rossa America’s Cup challenge in 2012-13 and more recently as a mast stepping location for the local world renowned marine supplier Southern Spars.
The successful party would be able to devise an appropriate infrastructure design to meet market demand and deliver the necessary returns.
Initial assessments by Waterfront Auckland suggest a facility that can cater for large superyachts (600-2000 tonnes). The site can accommodate a full range of haul out facilities including potentially a synchro lift, Dry dock, Travel lift and floating dock.
Expressions of interest for the site are being invited by Colliers International.
