Eden Park's big facelift likely to be finished early

Developers say they are very pleased with progress at Eden Park. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Developers say reconstruction work at Eden Park is going so well the job could be finished before its October due date.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup is fast approaching and developments at the Auckland park are also fast nearing completion.

The chairman of the Eden Park Redevelopment Board, John Waller yesterday said the $250 million project looked as though it was moving ahead of schedule.

"We're very pleased with the progress of the project. Things are going very well and the practical completion date is October 29 next year.

"We may be ahead of schedule too, but that is the official completion date," Mr Waller said.

Work to finish the roof of the south stand of the stadium is will be completed soon, and work on the park's eastern stand has started.

Construction of the western concourse - which will enable people to walk just inside of the perimeter of the stadium - is also to begin soon.

Mr Waller said the developments would add to the rich rugby culture associated with Auckland's Eden Park.

"It's an outstanding stadium. Everybody who goes to see [the developments] can see that it's a big and outstanding project," he said.

The stadium, which has cost $190 million, will seat up to 60,000 people when completed.

Costs for tickets to the various world cup games will cost anything from $300 up to $1250, depending on the exact location of the seat and how far the tournament has progressed..