Suggestion box open for Queens Wharf

Auckland City Mayor John Banks (L) and ARC chairman Mike Lee at Queens Wharf. Photo / Martin Sykes

Everyone from schoolchildren to world-acclaimed architects can submit ideas from today to redevelop Queens Wharf for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The first stage of the competition is aimed at creative and innovative ideas before up to eight teams are chosen to submit detailed designs.

The challenge of transforming the historic wharf as a magnet for the cup and beyond has been costed at up to $76 million, $20 million more than the budget set by Auckland City Council.

The Government and the Auckland Regional Council, which each put up $20 million to purchase the wharf from Ports of Auckland, have not committed any money for the redevelopment.

Entrants in the first stage must include a cruise ship terminal, open space and ideas for the cup. Apartments, hotels, offices and large scale retail facilities are banned.

Entrants must also consider the historic and character elements of the wharf, although the brief is unclear on whether the two 97-year-old dock sheds must stay. Auckland City has been keen to renovate the sheds for a cruise ship terminal and other uses, while the regional council wants a new "building with architectural merit".

The design competition follows a similar approach to the Britomart transport terminal and Te Wero bridge, crossing the Viaduct Harbour to the Tank Farm. The first stage of the Britomart competition in 2000 drew 153 entries. Entries for Queens Wharf will be on show at the Union Fish Building in Quay St on September 13 when the wharf will be opened.

The chief executives of Auckland City, the regional council and Ministry of Economic Development, with the help of design experts, will choose the finalists to prepare detailed designs.

Each team will receive $10,000 and the winner will be announced in November.

* Enter your submission at: www.queenswharf.org.nz

* World Cup countdown

August 24: Stage one design competition begins.

September 11: Entries close.

September 13: Entries on show and public open day.

September 25: Stage one winners announced.

September 28: Stage two begins.

November: Winner announced.

July 2010: Construction begins.

September 2011: Cup begins.