Property deal enables Haven waterfront redevelopment progress

A revitalised waterfront and improved links between the city and the sea are a step closer following a deal between Nelson City Council and Port Nelson that will enhance the gateway to the Haven and improve safety at the port.

Council agreed at a confidential meeting in mid-2022 to sell a portion of the Reliance Building site (236 Haven Road). It also agreed to initiate a road stopping process (a legal process in which a public road is removed from public status so it can be sold or used for other purposes) for part of Collins Street that will also be sold to Port Nelson. That road stopping was completed last week.

Port Nelson will use this extra space to straighten its boundary, provide increased container capacity, make safety and operational improvements and create efficiencies. 

The land remaining with Council will be used to improve the connection between the city and the waterfront with low-level landscaping and a carpark complementing redevelopment proposals for the wider area around Haven Road and Wakefield Quay. The carpark will be built on the site of the old Four Seasons building, which will be deconstructed as part of the project. 

As part of the deal, Council bought a Port-owned property at 305 Akersten Street for proposed future development as a sea sports facility. 
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says the deal is about improving the safety and efficiency of the Port and enabling the first steps to be taken on Council’s waterfront redevelopment project.

“A key priority this Council term is the redevelopment of Nelson’s stunning waterfront. This realignment of the Port boundary and demolition of the Reliance building enables improved access and additional parking on this northern section. 

“This property is the least attractive of the 10 Council owns as it is squeezed between the container port and state highway, but it can help us activate the other buildings and waterfront by improving access and parking.” 

Deconstruction of the Reliance building started on Monday 17 November and is expected to be completed by early February. There is expected to be minimal disruption to traffic and pedestrians on Haven Road while the work takes place. 
Collins Street has been stopped and the land will be sold to the Port once boundary negotiations have been completed.

The land at 236 Haven Road is considered to be a ‘connector’ between the city and the waterfront and will become a useful and attractive entrance to a new-look waterfront stretching from Collins Street to The Styx. 
Councillor Mel Courtney, who has been reappointed as Chair of the Waterfront Redevelopment Taskforce for the 2025-28 term, says it’s exciting to see deconstruction of the Reliance building start.

“This is the first physical step towards a comprehensive redevelopment of Nelson’s key waterfront precinct. I look forward to working with my fellow taskforce members on the wider plans for the area. It’s a magnificent space and we have a good opportunity to enhance it for Nelsonians and visitors.” 

Community Engagement is planned as part of the development of a masterplan for the waterfront, allowing businesses and residents in the area, alongside the wider community, to have a say on how this area will be transformed. 

Port Nelson Chief Executive Matt McDonald says the Port is pleased to have worked closely with Council to reach an outcome that supports both the Port’s future growth and Council’s plans for the waterfront redevelopment. 

“This agreement is an important step forward in delivering on our long-term masterplan. The additional land will enable us to improve safety for our people and port users as well as increase operational efficiency with increased container capacity. It’s a move that strengthens our ability to meet the needs of our customers and community well into the future.” 

The Reliance Building had temporarily housed the Menzshed group, which has new premises at Founders Heritage Park and is unaffected by the deconstruction.

ENDS

Media release shared from Nelson City Council. For more information, please contact: media@ncc.govt.nz