KEY POINTS:
A park and a man-made beach could be part of a precinct to surround Stadium New Zealand, project architects Warren and Mahoney say.
If the stadium proposal gets the go-ahead, they envisage a signature restaurant opening at the harbour end of the stadium platform and offices, shops and cafes along the platform's length.
Director Andrew Barclay said yesterday plans did not include residential space but the precinct would be a family-friendly "people's place" to draw residents from across the city.
It aimed to cater to those who could not identify with the million-dollar apartments and bar culture at the nearby Princess Wharf and Viaduct Harbour developments.
The precinct would continue the "public promenade" evolving from Westhaven Marina to Mission Bay.
"What we are interested in doing is making sure there is added value for the city in the project," said Mr Barclay.
New Zealand Institute of Architects urban issues group member Mario Madayag said including space for work and play was "in the spirit of the time" and the concept ticked all the right urban design boxes.
"[A stadium] can be a completely mixed-use building; you live there, you work there, you watch games, the whole nine yards." But Mr Madayag, whose award-winning work included the Britomart transport centre, said the translation of the ideas into actual design was crucial. He suggested pulling the stadium further out over the harbour and adding residential space for hosting corporate guests.
The plans show the proposed park would stretch 100m beside Quay St and 40 metres towards the water's edge.
Key heritage elements in the area, including the Admiralty Steps and the red fence, would be preserved.
Mr Barclay said encouraging people to use the zone throughout the week and at all times of day would be critical to its success.
He wanted the stadium and its surrounds to connect the waterfront to the city, not be a barrier. "The result will be a public space which incorporates a stadium rather than a stadium imposing itself on a public space."
Mr Barclay said an urban design team - with representatives from a range of agencies - would be established to further the concept if the project got the go-ahead.
