Waterfront plan to transform Auckland

Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee (left) and his deputy, Michael Barnett. Photo / Martin Sykes

Auckland's waterfront could be opened for public access if a plan to turn Queens Wharf into a gateway to the city goes ahead.

The wharf at the bottom of Queen St is used for stacking used Japanese cars and boxes of ripening bananas - to the disappointment of critics who believe it should be a public space.

Now Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee and deputy Michael Barnett want to convert it into a cruise ship terminal, with public features such as markets and exhibitions.

The ARC could make the change as it owns Ports of Auckland through its investment arm Auckland Regional Holdings. However, it says it will require financial help from the Government first.

The proposal comes less than two years after the Government proposed a $500 million World Cup rugby stadium on neighbouring Captain Cook and Marsden Wharves. Although the idea was rejected, Mr Lee and Mr Barnett say the high level of public interest showed that Aucklanders wanted their waterfront opened.

The idea also has strong support from Auckland Mayor John Banks, who agrees the wharf should remain in public ownership.

"It's a magnificent piece of gilt-edged real estate and I don't want to see it flogged off to private developers."

However, Mr Banks wants his council to own the wharf. He said he had resumed city council negotiations to buy Queens and Captain Cook wharves that he had started during his first term as mayor in 2001-2004.

Writing in today's Herald, the two ARC leaders say the port company's business plan is based around greater use of its wharves further east from the central city ones, and it is likely to move its cargo operations off Queens Wharf "sooner rather than later".

They say the 3ha wharf's new life could be as a harbourfront equivalent of Auckland International Airport, especially as a record 73 cruise ship visits are expected in Auckland in the 2007-08 year, compared with 46 last season.

Tens of thousands of potentially big spenders will come to Auckland to either start or end their cruises.

"The location presents a unique opportunity to provide an accessible area where visitors and Aucklanders can interact.

"It should include a signature exhibition space and range of amenities to attract visitors and Aucklanders alike, showcasing the region's heritage and telling our stories."

Handy to the Britomart Transport Centre, it would be spectacular gateway to the CBD and Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.