Waterfront Auckland - an Auckland Super City council-controlled organisation - said the challenge had been to preserve the historic features of the building while accommodating other uses such as a function venue.
The shed's two levels will be preserved with a more open area downstairs available for baggage handling, and upstairs immigration, customs and quarantine facilities along the eastern side of the building, in addition to space for functions.
Marler said the events industry had said there was sufficient demand for another waterfront venue in addition to the Viaduct Events Centre and The Cloud.