The first stage of the Eden Park upgrade. Photo / Dean Purcell
The first stage of the Eden Park upgrade. Photo / Dean Purcell
KEY POINTS:
The Auckland Regional Council has locked in its contribution of $10 million for the Eden Park redevelopment, half of what was originally asked for by the Auckland City Council.
ARC chairman Mike Lee said the council consulted on the contribution and received an even response in terms ofthose for and against.
Mr Lee said individuals were overwhelmingly against the proposal but organisations supported the move.
"We came down on the side of going forward, given the representation. Had it been an overwhelming number of submissions against Eden Park then we wouldn't have given money. However, it didn't turn out that way," Mr Lee said.
He said because the ARC had invested in Mt Smart Stadium the council had not "been that keen" to get involved in Eden Park.
"However, given the Government made such a large commitment on behalf of the country, we felt it was only fair that we make some commitment," Mr Lee said.
He said the funding had "discharged" the ARC's responsibility. Mr Lee said the council was also contributing transport infrastructure outside the stadium.
"Our anxiety is that we beat the odds and get electric rail in Auckland in time for the Rugby World Cup.
"Getting things done in a hurry hasn't been in the Auckland culture in recent years, it's been one of delay, but we are determined," Mr Lee said.
He said electric rail would be a genuine lasting legacy.
In November last year, Auckland City Council mayor John Banks called on the ARC to contribute $20 million to Eden Park.
The total cost of the redevelopment of Eden Park in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup will be $228.5 million.
