Where's the party?

Bar owners Kevin and Amanda Wayman think party central should be in the Capital. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Queens Wharf has been locked in as "party central" for the Rugby World Cup - but will anyone turn up?

An informal street poll by the Herald on Sunday asked 100 people in downtown Auckland where they would like the party held, with 40 per cent preferring the Viaduct over Queens Wharf.

On Friday Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully announced Queens Wharf would be the venue for celebrations, with the temporary "slug" structure to be built and the historic Shed 10 upgraded at a cost of more than $23 million.

Just down the road, the Auckland City Council has committed $32 million to a new Viaduct Events Centre on Halsey St wharf. But the Government and civic leaders say it will not have the capacity to be a viable party zone.

Those most likely to use party central appear to disagree.

Peter Churchman lives in the CBD and said a party area in the Viaduct would be better for Auckland than Queens Wharf.

"We need to continue to build the Viaduct as an international venue.

"We did it for the America's Cup and it's created a longevity of the area and we need to continue that," said the 32-year-old insurance broker.

Greenlane resident James Baker agreed.

"The Viaduct is the best place. It's where all the established bars and cafes are. It's vibrant for food and shopping needs.

"They're building an events centre there anyway," said the 27-year-old IT administrator. Halsey St is a two minute walk closer to the Viaduct than Queens Wharf.

Even the concept of a party central was dismissed by some.

"I was in Paris for the Rugby World Cup. They didn't have a big infrastructure spend on a party central but they had temporary marquees by the Eiffel Tower," said Thornton Williams, a 34-year-old banker from Greenlane.

"I don't know why we need to build a big booze barn down on the waterfront."

A spokesman for McCully said the events centre would only hold about 3000 people, so it was not big enough to be the official fan zone.

"Queens Wharf was selected because it is a central location with the ability to have a range of activities."

He expected Queens Wharf to hold 20,000 to 30,000 people during games, including 7000-8000 under cover.

Heart of the City chief executive Alex Swney said people on the street underestimated the number of people who would flock to the waterfront for the celebrations.

He favoured Queens Wharf being used for a party venue because it would take the strain off packed-to-capacity venues.

"It's important we take into account the views of the people, and the Viaduct has proved to be a successful venue, but we're going to need more than just the Viaduct," said Swney.

Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee was "very pleased" with an "excellent outcome" of Queens Wharf.

Lee said any option other was "a party not so central".

"We can certainly run debates about Wynyard Quarter or Courtney Place but they're irrelevant," he said.

POLL RESULTS
* Viaduct....40
* Queens Wharf (retain shed)....20
* Queens Wharf (temporary structure)....16
* Victoria Park....9
* No party central....6
* Should have kept the original stadium plans....3
* Kingsland....2
* Tank Farm....1
* Other....3

* Sample of 100 people