ARC special meeting on cargo sheds

Photo / Brett Phibbs

The future of the two cargo sheds on Queens Wharf should become clear today, when the Auckland Regional Council holds an extraordinary meeting on the matter.

At a confidential discussion on Monday last week, regional councillors are believed to have decided to convert the larger of the two cargo sheds into a "party central venue" for the Rugby World Cup and a cruise ship terminal.

The smaller of the two sheds at the northern end of the wharf would be dismantled and moved elsewhere.

The actions of the ARC are said to have infuriated Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully, who is believed to have told councillors that the Government and the ARC had a deal to remove the sheds for a $9.6 million temporary structure, dubbed the "giant slug".

The ARC, however, has an escape clause - its support is conditional on consultation with the Historic Places Trust.

The Herald understands confidential discussions between the regional council and the trust resulted in an agreement to keep the larger of the sheds, Shed 10, and convert it for party central and a cruise ship terminal.

Restoration of Shed 10 is believed to cost about $7 million more than the $9.6 million temporary structure announced by regional council chairman Mike Lee and Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully in late April.

The regional council previously agreed to the removal of the two sheds, subject to consultation with the trust.

Since plans for the temporary structure were made public, the trust and the regional council, which has a statutory role to protect Auckland heritage, have come under intense public pressure not to destroy the sheds.

Last year, the Government and the ARC paid $20 million each to buy Queens Wharf from Ports of Auckland and became joint partners in the development.

Despite being shut out of the development, the Auckland City Council has put $24 million aside to restore the sheds. In the past few days, Mr Lee has met Auckland Mayor Banks to discuss Queens Wharf. Auckland City is taking a "wait-and-see" approach to today's meeting.

Last night, a spokesman for Mr McCully said the minister was aware of today's ARC meeting and respected its right to make a decision.

WHARF PROPOSAL
* The ARC is holding an extraordinary meeting on the future of the two sheds on Queens Wharf.
* It is believed they have decided to remove one and convert the other into a "party central venue".
* The previous plan was to remove the sheds and put up a $9.6 million temporary structure.
* Restoration of Shed 10 is expected to cost about $7 million more than that.