It's party time in a cloud for the Cup

The $9.8 million tent will be a focal point for Rugby World Cup festivities. Photo / Supplied

A $9.8 million temporary "Cloud" structure will take centre stage on Queens Wharf for the Rugby World Cup, but there are no big plans for the refurbished century-old Shed 10.

Prime Minister John Key yesterday unveiled new plans for the Cloud, which will host large-scale events, but made only passing reference to Shed 10, which the Auckland Regional Council is sprucing up at a cost of $4 million.

Last night, ARC chairman Mike Lee, who is also the new Auckland councillor for the ward, said he had been left off the guest list for Mr Key's announcement, although Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully insisted he had been invited.

Mr McCully and Mr Lee fell out in July after Mr Lee changed his mind on an agreement between the ARC and the Government to remove both cargo sheds for a temporary structure.

Lingering sniffiness has resulted in the partners making separate announcements within days of each other - the regional council with its plans to refurbish Shed 10 and dismantle Shed 11 at the northern end of the wharf, and the Government unveiling its plans for the Cloud.

Mayor-elect Len Brown told the largely corporate crowd that "we are putting the arguments behind us and from this point forward it's full steam ahead".

Mr Key said the Cloud - dubbed the "Slug" by others - would be capable of holding 6000 people for a range of big events, including a Tourism New Zealand visitor site, the REAL New Zealand festival and concerts.

It would also host VIP functions and events. At 4430sq m it is smaller than earlier plans for a 6000sq m structure able to hold 7800 people.

Asked what use would be made of Shed 10, Mr Key said it could be used as a terminal for two cruise ships that will be berthed at Queens Wharf during the cup, for hosting some events and maybe as a place for markets.

"For six weeks next year, Queens Wharf will be a hub of activity for our international visitors and New Zealanders," he said.

"It will be a place where we watch rugby games, enjoy live music and festival events, wow international guests and media with views of Auckland's stunning harbour, and showcase the best of New Zealand with displays and events."

Bob Harvey, the outgoing Mayor of Waitakere City who has been appointed chairman of the Waterfront Development Agency, said Queens Wharf had had a lot of heat put on it, "but this beautiful tent, the Cloud", will look absolutely dazzling from the water and the land.

"This, I think very beautiful structure, is something I think Auckland will be very proud of," he said.

The Cloud will be erected and fitted out between February and August next year.

Once the cup is over, the Waterfront Development Agency will decide what to do with the temporary structure. One option is to keep it for several years while a long-term solution is found for Queens Wharf.