SkyCity Federal St bridge bill likely to be $20m

An illustration showing SkyCity's proposed development plans for Federal St, including a large sky bridge. Photo / Supplied

SkyCity's plans to build over Federal St will cost it more than $20 million.

Chief executive Nigel Morrison revealed the figure yesterday after an initial report on the proposal to bridge over part of an inner-city street went to Auckland City Council last week.

"SkyCity plans to invest over $20 million into the development that will greatly improve Auckland's standing in the convention space while enhancing the internationalisation of Auckland as a city in the minds of visitors," Morrison said.

The council had "supported" its proposal to build on level five of its buildings and create a new span big enough for a conference venue, he claimed.

SkyCity wants to cater to more than 2000 conference-goers by bridging west from its five-star SkyCity Grand Hotel to its four-star SkyCity Hotel across the other side of Federal St.

But Ludo Campbell-Reid, the council's group manager for urban design, raised issues about the effects SkyCity's operations already had on Federal St.

"The street is used as a rat run, taxi rank and coach drop-off spot," he wrote. "This further compromises noise, air quality and overall microclimate. Despite being the front door to a five-star hotel and one of Auckland's major tourist attractions, the street is also poorly landscaped and unattractive. The combination of all of these elements makes for a cluttered, unappealing and intimidating pedestrian environment."

Morrison agreed that the street could be improved.

"This proposal will rejuvenate this central area which is pivotal to the majority of the city's entertainment areas." In return for being allowed to build over a public street, SkyCity will pay the council so it can upgrade Federal St as a shared space for cars and pedestrians.

"The project will see the combination of council and private funding," he said. "Having it completed in time for the Rugby World Cup will ensure significant economic spinoff for the inner-city businesses, hotels, bars and restaurants."

The plan is still at its concept stage and would be subject to the usual resource consent processes. SkyCity's airbridge would be 48m long.

Morrison also highlighted that SkyCity donates $2.5-$3 million to local charities and organisations, has $1.5 billion invested in Auckland and has 3500 staffers in Auckland making it the city's largest inner-city employer.