Ōrākei elected representatives’ Cr Desley Simpson and local board deputy chair Kit Parkinson joined Hyundai Marine Sports Centre management and construction workers for the traditional ‘shout the roof’ at The Landing in Okahu Bay on Thursday 15 March.

Originally home to the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre will cater to a range of marine-based sports including sailing, paddling, canoeing and waka. International events including the World 49er, 49 FX and Nacra Championship event are scheduled to be held at the centre in 2019.

“The Hyundai Marine Sports Centre will be an outstanding venue for marine sports as well as a great place to relax and enjoy the harbour vista,” said Cr Desley Simpson.

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“The project is a great example of how local government can partner with business to provide facilities that bring real benefit to the community.”​

With the roof in place and the build on-track, the centre is due for completion in spring 2018.

The multi-purpose facility will be home to an array of clubs including Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland Sailing Club, Waka Ama, Sailability Auckland, Royal Akarana Paddlers, Auckland City Tri and the University of Auckland. The centre will also be equipped with training areas and meeting rooms offering the latest audiovisual and learning aides.

“The centre has been designed with the wider community in mind,” said Andrew Brookbank, General Manager Akarana Marine Sports Charitable Trust. “It delivers on a healthy, active and family-friendly environment for the local community to enjoy all under one roof.”