Stadium over water latest plan

A second proposal for a national stadium built over water near the bottom of Queen St is under serious Government consideration for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The Herald understands architects and engineers are working on plans for a 60,000-seat stadium between Captain Cook and Marsden wharves. It would be built on hundreds of piles driven into the seabed to carry the weight of a stadium.

The proposal is separate from the suggested $350 million stadium flagged last week for nearby Bledisloe Wharf. That option looks unlikely because the wharf is the country's third-busiest container terminal.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Helen Clark and a spokeswoman for Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard did not deny the latest plan when it was put to them by the Herald yesterday.

They remained tight-lipped about whether they are evaluating potential downtown waterfront sites as an alternative to upgrading Eden Park at a cost of $320 million. A report will go to the Cabinet next month.

The Herald understands that Helen Clark and Mr Mallard strongly favour a waterfront stadium, if a site can be secured and the project developed in time for the 2011 tournament.

Mr Mallard's submission on the Eden Park upgrade stressed the regional and national significance, the economic, social and cultural benefits from a "world-class stadium".

"A piece of world-class infrastructure has the potential to add to the urban form of Auckland and act as a source of regional and national pride," Mr Mallard said.

Captain Cook and Marsden wharves are used by Ports of Auckland for importing used cars as they are old and cannot take the weight of cranes.

It is understood the wharves could be handed over for the stadium by the Auckland Regional Council, which owns the port company through its investment arm, Auckland Regional Holdings. The ARC would have to compensate the port company for the wharves but would get the money back in a dividend.

It is not known how much the Captain Cook/Marsden stadium would cost or how much wharf and water space would be needed.

The roofed, 56,500-seat Telstra Dome in Melbourne Docklands was built on a 2ha site 170m by 140m in 2000 at a cost of $530 million.

Structural engineer Murray Jacobs, who has designed some of the biggest buildings in Auckland, said there was no reason why a stadium could not be built over water using hundreds of piles with bracing to take lateral loads.

"With engineering most things can be done. It is just a matter of money," he said.

Mr Jacobs said a concrete structure over water would have a "small premium" over building on firm ground, adding it was surprising how clever design could reduce costs.

The idea for a waterfront stadium has captured the public imagination, with more than two-thirds of nearly 200 people who sent emails to the Herald last week on the Bledisloe Wharf option saying a new purpose-built stadium would be a showcase for the city and the nation.