Queens Wharf back on track as World Cup party zone

Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland. Photo / Steven McNicholl

"Party Central" is back on track for Queen's Wharf in downtown Auckland after the Government and the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) settled their difference over two old cargo sheds.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully announced today one of the 98-year-old sheds would be demolished, one would be kept and upgraded, and a new temporary "cloud" structure would be built for rugby fans to party in during the Rugby World Cup next year.

The announcement ended a furious row between the Government and the ARC which each has a 50 per cent stake in the wharf.

The two had earlier agreed both sheds would be demolished and Party Central would be established for rugby fans under a contractual agreement signed with the International Rugby Board to have a party zone in the city.

Earlier this month the ARC changed its mind, saying one of the historic sheds should be saved.

The Government then began looking at other sites but today Mr McCully said the agreement was a compromise which would keep everyone happy.

However, he said the controversy over the future of Shed 10 was likely to resurface during planning for an international cruise terminal after the World Cup.

Under the latest decision fans would use the ground floor of the revamped Shed 10 and the new cloud structure. Cruise ships would also use the wharf but passengers would be processed at other ports before berthing in Auckland for the World Cup.

Mr McCully said the old cargo shed would be upgraded so it did "not visually impair the site".

He could not give details but said that was an ARC responsibility and the Government was happy with that.

He said the future of Shed 10 after the World Cup would be made by the Waterfront Development Agency which would be formed later this year.

That body would decide if the shed remained as part of the international cruise terminal planned for Queens Wharf, Mr McCully said.

He said the Government was happy with the outcome.

"The Government has what it wanted which is access to the only site in my view that gave us the opportunity to combine all the things we wanted in a central location. That's a fan zone which was an (IRB) obligation, the temporary cruise terminal facility, the space for major events and the area for industry showcasing activities," he said.

Labour's Auckland issues spokesman Phil Twyford commonsense had won out.

"The resolution ensures that rugby fans will have a party zone in Auckland where they can enjoy the Rugby World Cup games.

Auckland Mayor John Banks said it was a sensible decision which future proofed Shed 10 and ensured suitable facilities would be in place for the Word Cup.

The cost was expected to be about $9 million for the cloud temporary structure and about $9.8m for landscaping the wharf. Upgrading Shed 10 would be on top of those costs, Mr McCully said.

- NZPA