Queens Wharf party central plans due to be announced today

Plans for a temporary structure on Queens Wharf for party central and to cater for cruise ships at the Rugby World Cup are due to be announced today.

The Prime Minister gave weight to suggestions the latest plans involve demolishing the two 98-year-old cargo sheds for a temporary structure designed by architects Jasmax.

"My view is that there is not much in the way of redeeming features when it comes to those [cargo] sheds. I would have liked to have seen the cruise ship terminal. In the long-term interests of the tourism sector, that was important," said Mr Key. "But with that not being possible in the short term, a move towards something that is appropriate for a fan zone and party central is important."

He said the Cabinet had "reached some conclusions" and following a meeting between Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully and the regional council an announcement would be made.

Regional council chairman Mike Lee said he expected an announcement today.

The Auckland Architectural Association has joined the Historic Places Trust in calling for a halt to any immediate plans to demolish the sheds - the last of five sheds that originally stood on the wharf.

"To wastefully demolish the last of Auckland's working waterfront heritage before the Super City is formed and a comprehensive masterplan for the waterfront can be developed is premature, foolish and wasteful" said association spokesman Adam Mercer.

"Auckland is invariably acknowledged as a city that has demolished far too many of its heritage buildings. Auckland needs to preserve remaining character where it can."

Shed 10 on the eastern side retains much of its original structure, including riveted steel columns, beams and trusses, sliding doors, substantial Sydney blue gum joists, kauri sarking and the original electric lifts. Shed 11 retains similar original features.

Mr Lee has said the sheds were cheap and nasty when they were built and now they were old and cheap and nasty.

Meanwhile, Auckland City's arts, culture and recreation committee is today expected to approve $1.65 million towards five Rugby World Cup projects.

They include a $300,000 contribution towards upgrading the Karangahape Rd overbridge as part of the CBD to Eden Park walking route; $670,000 for a temporary campervan site at Westhaven marina; $220,000 for electronic signage; $344,000 for 130 banner poles at key locations, such as around Eden Park; and $120,000 for a countdown clock located at a waterfront location still to be determined. The funding will come from a $10 million capital expenditure budget for the cup.