This is the Holcim Cement storage silo that's currently under construction on Timaru's waterfront. As I drove into Timaru on State Highway 1 I became aware of this massive presence on the skyline. Wondered what it was. Drove down, and there it is. Nine or Ten stories high - and as I understand it - a similar one has been consented (non-notified of course) on Auckland's waterfront, and will be constructed under contract to Ports of Auckland Ltd. At least in Timaru the location is separated from urban Timaru by quite a bit of transport infrastructure, and the housing that directly views the structure, is built atop a cliff about six stories high (next to the railway line).
The same is not true in Auckland. POAL's Holcim Silo will be directly in front of the Quay Park buildings. It is a massive mono structure.
In Timaru, seems like no-one really knew what it was going to be like. Then suddenly it was up, and everyone took a deep breath. Many were shocked.
There are significant visual effects associated with a mono structure of this scale. It is at odds with the fine grain architecture of the heritage buildings along Quay Street. And even the articulation of Quay Towers will be swamped. Maybe it's a future mural site for Auckland imagery for visiting cruise ships.
If it was felt an expansion of Bledisloe wharf would affect views and waterfront amenity - look twice at this proposal which has been consented. POAL's strategy of rationalising Onehunga operations to downtown Auckland is problematic. This is not a good look for the Auckland waterfront.
