New bollards, a gate and extra parking will be appearing on Oamaru’s Holmes Wharf, as it nears the next stage of completion.

Stage two of the $2.1m project, being carried out by the Waitaki District Council, began in October, and was on track to be completed in January.

This stage was expected to cost $1.15m, and involved replacing the deck and repairing a broken pile at the end of the wharf, and also replacing a small area of deck next to the day berth at the entrance.

The end of the wharf has been closed while the boards are replaced, and piles were checked. The work was being carried out by Banks’s Building Services Ltd.

Part of the revamp includes the installation of 1.2m high, 30cm diameter, heritage-style bollards, being turned by the Waitaki Woodturners’ Guild, and a new gate with railing recycled from the wharf.

The bollards are being installed 27m further into the wharf than previous barriers, to accommodate parking for 10 extra vehicles. Wheel stops will go in 2m from the edge to allow pedestrian access along the side of the wharf.

An artist's impression of how Holmes Wharf could look once complete. Whether the lighting will be installed, is still to be discussed. PHOTO: Supplied

Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher said the upgrade was part of a, so far, 15-year process to bring “greater vitality” to Oamaru’s harbour area.

“The work on the wharf will preserve it for the next 50 years, hopefully more, so it continues to play its role as part of an active port, and fishing base.

“The work also increases opportunities for activities on Holmes Wharf, including increased usage of the sheds located on it.”

Council projects and assets officer Grant Rhodes said the wharf was loved and used by anglers, walkers, families and tourists.

“We look forward to bringing it back to its full potential in early 2023.”

Next in the revamp will be minor repairs to the sheds, along with installation of power, water, fibre, and sewerage services. 

Grant anticipated expressions of interest to lease the sheds will be advertised for on the wharf’s completion, which could bring exciting new opportunities.

The inclusion of street lighting, while present in a design mock-up, was yet to be discussed and approved by the Oamaru Harbour Area Committee, as was the possibility of power supply to berths including above-deck power cabinets; a floating pontoon at the start of the wharf, and the inclusion of various amenities, such as new seating, reinstating operation of an historical capstan for an interactive activity/story board, and plantings.

Grant said the project had run very smoothly, with no unexpected surprises, and was on budget.