Tank site

Were these rusted giants once guardians of the city? Here at the Tank site, in what was once called the “Tank Farm,” we unearth a story of Auckland’s industrial past. The Wynyard Quarter, historically known as the Western Reclamation, Wynyard Point, Wynyard Wharf, or Tank Farm, has seen many transformations. The Tank site stands as a relic of its bulk liquid storage days. In the 1930s, this area transitioned from the timber trade to storing petrochemicals. This gave the area the nickname “Tank Farm.” The Tank site and its towering structures are remnants of this era. As industries shifted, the “Tank Farm” moniker began to fade. The area transitioned, becoming a hub for marine and fishing businesses. The Tank site remained, a silent observer of Auckland’s evolving waterfront. By the late 2000s, 500,000 tonnes of liquids and cement were transported yearly via nearby Wynyard Wharf, generating $1.2 billion and 4000 jobs. The Tank site was part of this thriving industrial network. The area’s future became a topic of discussion between the Auckland Regional Council, Auckland Regional Holdings, and Auckland City Council. The number of apartments proposed in a 2005 concept drew public concern, with calls for more public space. A plan change in 2006 led to over 1400 submissions emphasizing the desire for less residential development and more public areas. The Tank site stood at the heart of this urban transformation. In March 2007, Wynyard Management was established to oversee the area’s redevelopment, marking a new chapter for the Tank site and its surroundings. Today, the Tank site offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a reminder of Auckland’s industrial heritage amidst its modern cityscape.