Parnell's future Train Station
- Inspirations for our Vision
Parnell wants to see a visionary mixed-use development on this key site, between Parnell Road and the Domain. Key to this vision is retaining the Mainline Steam Depot building. We need to take our inspiration from overseas where other countries, governments and councils see grand potential in old industrial buildings. We're talking about "adaptive re-use" of the depot. It's time to stop tearing down Auckland's heritage and start creating something exciting for the city's future.
The Mainline Steam depot building is worth saving!
The Carriage Works Performing Arts Centre, Sydney
The multi-award-winning redevelopment of the CarriageWorks at Everleigh, Sydney by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, provides a clear example of and inspiration for the potential of the depot at Cheshire Street.
The High Line, New York
Manhattan's newest garden is a 1.5 mile length of abandoned elevated freight train track. Destined for demolition, the track was saved through the vision of two men, and the growing support of the community. >>more"It really became a great example of how a community can work together to define what's important for them for their neighborhood." - Joshua David, community visionary and co-founder, Friends of the High Line.
The High Line "shows you that things that ought to be, can be, if you just have the will to pursue them, and I find that incredibly inspiring" - Edward Norton, actor, community activist and narrator of this clip.
Parnell Inc. committee member Chris Swasbrook visited the High Line in 2009. In an article in the November 2009 issue of The Darling, he wrote that Parnell (and wider Auckland communities) can learn from such a project that long term vision, preservation of history and sound urban design, coupled with quality construction materials, can result in truly iconic public spaces. >>more
Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
Built from the derelict power station at Ultimo, the Powerhouse Museum opened in March 1988, the largest museum in the country and one of the world's great museums. >>more
Tate, London
The galleries are housed in the former Bankside Power Station , which was originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott , the architect of Battersea Power Station , and built in two stages between 1947 and 1963. The power station closed in 1981. The building was converted by architects Herzog & de Meuron. >>more