A team of Auckland architects has a revolutionary site for the 2011 Rugby World Cup Stadium: Manukau Harbour, writes Nick Krause
It looks like a giant spaceship moored in Manukau Harbour. But this out-of-left-field idea for a 60,000- to 70,000-seat national sports stadium has grabbed the attention of Sports Minister Trevor Mallard. While people are talking about a new stadium on the downtown docks, Auckland's Bossley Copeland Architects have released their vision for a waterfront stadium on Auckland's ''other'' harbour for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. ''We just put it forward as an idea,'' says architect Pete Bossley. ''We thought the other options of the park and CBD waterfront were fairly problematic. We took a wider view and thought it had to start from scratch. ''For traffic movement it's fantastic, and access is excellent from the Waikato. It would remove 60,000 people from the heart of the city. ''That's the big one?it's not in the middle of a residential area so there'll be less impact. Building could continue 24 hours a day.'' His firm has talked with Minister for Auckland Issues Judith Tizard, various councillors, Tainui and Ngati Whatua kaumatua and Mallard ? who's also the Rugby World Cup and Economic Development Minister. ''Mr Mallard's office are very interested and have asked to see more detailed information,'' says Bossley. Bossley and his partner, Barry Copeland, and a team of environmental engineers, town planners and construction advisers have designed their stadium close to the historically significant portage route which linked the two harbours. It is slightly north of Portage Rd and south of Southdown in Otahuhu/Westfield. They have come up with a dramatic design which would use state-of-the-art technology and lightweight materials. It would become a landmark on the flight path as aircraft descend into Auckland. Bossley and Copeland believe the site has compelling advantages over other suggested sites. ''The site over water is a blank canvas. In other words, land does not have to be purchased, existing facilities demolished, or the impact considered on surrounding buildings,'' says Bossley. ''It is close to a major transport corridor, with easy access to rail, motorways and Auckland International Airport. It would bring much-needed tourism and business regeneration to the area.'' Closeness to major transport and the relative lack of site restrictions will assist with building the stadium for the Rugby World Cup. It would accommodate other sporting codes, including athletics, cricket and equestrian events, as well as concerts, cultural and special events and conferences. ''It's a national stadium, not an Auckland rugby stadium. It will be a magnet for other sports, including watersports, too.'' Seating would be flexible so that it could be removed to accommodate varying events. Between the new stadium and the nearby Mt Smart Stadium, Copeland and Bossley envisage a regional sports campus similar to the Olympic Sports Park in Sydney. Local iwi have responded positively, with Eru Thompson, of Te Iwi Tainui, saying that the plan would catapult the region into attracting new industry and redevelopment.
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