KEY POINTS:
Plans for a multi-million dollar project to create the largest waterfront development in Auckland's history will be announced today.
Attempts to develop a masterplan for the waterfront, from the Harbour Bridge to Mechanics Bay, have been mired in controversy and thwarted by political wrangling.
But long-awaited proposals to open up prime headland at the Tank Farm have finally found agreement between the city's authorities.
Auckland Regional Holdings, Auckland City Council and Ports of Auckland will make the joint announcement at 1pm.
It is the first time the bodies have managed to agree on issues of design, access, ownership and funding.
The plans, which have been a closely guarded secret, will have significant changes to a Ports of Auckland concept released in 2005, which placed new entertainment and retail facilities, apartments and public spaces alongside existing fishing and marine industries.
But the idea of opening the waterfront up to the public has gained impetus with the ill-fated waterfront stadium plan and the possibility of an America's Cup defence, if Team New Zealand is successful in Valencia.
Today's announcement will not involve the finger wharves - Queen's, Bledisloe and Captain Cook - which are Port-owned. The designs will be available from the middle of next week at a display suite in the Maritime Museum at the Viaduct Harbour and there will be a period of public consultation.
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