Organisers buzzing over progress on big projects

Rugby World Cup tournament boss Martin Snedden says he feels reassured by the organisational muscle and the progress of construction projects in Auckland 18 months before the event kicks off.

"We are really pleased that Auckland is so well prepared this far out," the Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive said yesterday.

Auckland steering group spokesman Michael Barnett said work on a wealth of building was charging ahead, led by the $256 million Eden Park upgrade and the $230 million Manukau Harbour bridge.

Organisers say the event will bring up to $267 million of direct economic benefits for the region.

But Mr Barnett said projects being built for the cup would bring lasting benefits, including better public access to the downtown waterfront.

"You only need to look at what the America's Cup did with the evolution of the Viaduct Harbour to see that major events deliver significant long-term benefits for us all."

The steering group's preparations began three years ago to cover transport, business plans, tourism, training venues and supporting events. Its 18-months-to-go progress report on projects for the tournament includes:

* Eden Park: A new six-level, 21,500-seat South Stand, on target for completion this November.

* Transport: Upgrade of Kingsland Station to be completed in time for the All Blacks' test with South Africa on July 10. Improvements to Sandringham Rd and provision of a link lane are well under way.

* Manukau Harbour crossing: Designed to cut 20 minutes off the trip from Auckland Airport to central Auckland, opens this August, seven months ahead of schedule.

* Training venues for 12 teams: Fields, lighting and buildings are being improved at Western Springs Stadium, Onewa Domain and Mt Smart Stadium.

* Waterfront, city and airport: Marine Events Centre to be built by July next year, adding 300sq m of hospitality space. First stage of the Wynyard Quarter development, including a retail and entertainment precinct on North Wharf, to be completed by next year.

* Queens Wharf to be opened for public use during tournament celebration on September 9 next year. Aotea Square upgrade finished by this October and $121 million expansion of the Auckland Art Gallery to open in the middle of next year.