The Pahurehure Esplanade Walkway is a 2.6km path from Pahurehure Esplanade to Young’s Beach Reserve. In 2019, the Papakura Local Board and Auckland Council allocated funding to renew and realign sections of the failing pathway and associated structures.

Urban Solutions were engaged throughout the project duration from investigation through to construction supervision. The design realigned sections of the pathway further in-land to account for the ongoing effects of coastal erosion. Mobility access was also improved via the incorporation of a sloped timber boardwalk where there was a narrow gravel pathway.

Urban Solutions partnered with LDE Ltd to conduct the structural design of the timber boardwalk and a failing section of retaining wall. A challenge that was encountered was the presence of very weak ground conditions on-site. Working alongside the contractor and LDE Ltd, an innovative solution of an anchored retaining wall was designed and successfully constructed to withstand the poor ground conditions.

Due to be completed in May 2020, the pathway renewal will join to a 600m section of concrete footpath and boardwalk constructed in 2017 and complete the Pahurehure Esplanade Walkway.