Liardet Street Overpass

The project occupies a wedge of land tightly constrained by roads, rail, walkways, and car park. It comprises the formation of a hill to contain and conceal the railway whilst providing safe passage over. The link is completed by a ramp path and stairway to the existing walkway some 4.5m below. This project realises a vital piece of urban fabric for the city by completing the Pukekura Park to foreshore pedestrian and cycle link. The railway overpass stimulates urban renewal by rediscovery of a strong mountain to sea connection. The judge said, “Through sound urban design, and a synergy of circulation and land form, a simple infrastructure project has created a destination rather than simply a thoroughfare. Carefully measured doses of detail and robustness have contributed to the sculptural quality of the work. It is a fine example of what is possible when a local council decides to go down a design-driven route.”