Waterfront dreams revived

Auckland's local body reform has revived prospects for a showcase waterfront to boost the city's international competitiveness.

Aspiring Super City mayor John Banks is backing calls for an "iconic" convention centre on the Bledisloe Wharf site, once earmarked for a waterfront stadium.

Government plans to maximise the economic benefits of the 2011 Rugby World Cup foundered on port company and regional council opposition and public fears of a white elephant on a prime waterfront spot.

The move to a single council gives greater leverage to upgrade the waterfront east of Princes Wharf, an area under port control.

An eyecatching waterfront centre would put Auckland on the lucrative international conventions circuit.

Heart of the City's Alex Swney is pushing for a signature building - a convention centre or arts venue - on the Bledisloe to "bookend" the city basin at the foot of Queen St.

A facility could be combined with a new cruise ship terminal.

Mr Banks said: "The port must continue to play a significant role - but it would seem to me that Bledisloe offers a great opportunity for an international convention and exhibition centre."

The plans conflict with the port company's ambitions to become a container hub.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says the waterfront should be subjected to an international design competition.

"What [reform] brings is an opportunity for vision with some human value," Harvey said.