Queens Wharf battle over

The Government and the Auckland Regional Authority have thrashed out a deal that will see the Rugby World Cup fan zone based on Queens Wharf, as originally announced by PM John Key, but his plan for a cruise ship terminal has been stymied.

Shed 11 at the harbour end of the wharf will be dismantled and removed to make way for the temporary steel, glass and PVC ‘Cloud’ structure. This will be the RWC2011 “Party Central” fan zone with festival events, industry showcasing, and international media and VIP hosting.

Shed 10, the one closest to land and on the eastern side of the wharf, is to be given a cosmetic tart-up and its ground floor will also be used as part of the fan zone. NZPA reports that passengers arriving on chartered cruise ships for the event will be processed at other ports before berthing in Auckland, obviating the need for Customs and Immigration facilities.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully says the intention is to leave decisions relating to the wharf’s long-term development as well as the future of Shed 10 in the appropriate hands of the new Waterfront Development Agency, which will take over from the ARC on 01NOV.

Auckland mayor John Banks says this makes it possible to stand back and take a long-term view, with the new agency delivering an integrated plan for the whole of the waterfront from Westhaven to Bledisloe.