Restoring the stream corridor can provide flooding protection and public open space for growing communities.

Boffa Miskell were engaged in 2019 to develop the public open space strategy for the 298ha development at Paerata Rise.

The strategy sought to utilise the stream corridor as a key public space that would connect the entire development. Ecological restoration would occur along the stream with riparian planting and the existing wetlands within would be retained and bolstered with new wetland and raingarden devices that would provide stormwater capacity for each stage of the development.

Location

Auckland

Worked with

Rural Design
Woods

Project date

2019 - ongoing

Our designers considered the importance of retaining the existing natural features of the corridor to retain the natural character of these spaces. Residents would have access to these natural spaces through separated cycle paths, footpaths, bridges, and boardwalks that would connect streamside, neighbourhood and destination parks and playgrounds along the stream corridor.

Since completing the public open space strategy in 2020, Boffa Miskell have worked collaboratively with the project team to develop the riparian and public space design for over 1.9km of the stream corridor. Ecological restoration has been key in these areas with the retention and restoration of existing wetlands and new riparian planting throughout the stream corridor. Centralised wetland and raingarden devices have been included in the most recent stages which have withstood the 2023 floods and storms.

Footpaths and cycleways have been constructed within these spaces giving residents access to quality public open space right on their doorstep. Open spaces have also been included thus far with future play spaces proposed as the community grows.

Boffa Miskell continue to lead the design and implementation of stream restoration including riparian planting and several parks and open spaces throughout the stream corridor as the development continues. Boffa Miskell continue to be involved in the implementation of these works acting as Engineer to the Contract.

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