RWC: All lit up and ready to party

The Cloud. Photo / Natalie Slade

The $9.8 million Cloud on Queens Wharf gave a glowing display of its sculptural form last night, 53 days out from the start of the Rugby World Cup.

It was the first time Aucklanders got to see the structure lit in soft and subtle blue by 250 fluorescent lights following the curve of the opaque roof.

Another 250 red lights can be mixed with the blue lights to create movement along the 178m structure.

Yesterday, Fletcher Construction handed over the most visible symbol for the cup to event organisers to be kitted out with static and interactive trade displays and as a fanzone on 18 big match days.

Queens Wharf project leader Mark Fraser said the lighting was a great opportunity to show off the Cloud.

"The fact it curves and slopes in the way it does make it a more flowing, interesting building," he said.

The wharf, dogged by controversy since being dubbed Party Central by Prime Minister John Key two years ago, will open to the public at the opening ceremony for the cup on September 9.

By then, the Government will have spent $9.8 million to build the Cloud and ratepayers $3.6 million to upgrade the century-old Shed 10, $9.8 million on surface upgrades of the 3ha wharf and $4.6 million on under-wharf repairs.

The wharf can hold 15,000 people, including 6000 in the Cloud and 2000 in Shed 10, which sponsor Heineken is taking over. Tourism New Zealand's giant rugby ball will also be set up on the wharf.