Theatre scheme for Queens Wharf

Queens Wharf (centre) has been bought by the regional council and the Government for redevelopment. Photo / Supplied

A combined 500-600 seat theatre and cruise ship terminal is being proposed for Auckland's Queens Wharf when it is reclaimed for public use next April.

The promoter of the idea, the Auckland Theatre Company, says an "architecturally stunning" multipurpose building would exploit the prime central location and meet two vital needs.

Auckland needed another dedicated performing arts venue and also a new terminal for its growing cruise ship trade, said theatre company chairman Kit Toogood, QC.

He said a harbourside theatre for drama and dance and a world-class cruise gateway would complement each other well. Public spaces adjacent to the theatre would double as an assembly point and waiting area for cruise ship passengers.

Mr Toogood said year-round use of an attractive public building offered greater return on investment, tourism spending and a contribution to the city's "after 5pm" economy.

It was offered as a serious alternative to those mentioned so far for Queens Wharf, which the Government and the Auckland Regional Council each paid $20 million to buy from Ports of Auckland.

Prime Minister John Key has said the wharf will become "party central" for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the challenge is for city leaders to move swiftly to begin the job of transforming the wharf into a world-class waterfront attraction.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks said the council had started looking at restoring the two cargo sheds on the wharf, which were built around 1912.

He said strengthening the wharf and building first-class cruise ship facilities and other possibilities for the 2ha site, like the theatre proposal, could cost more than $100 million.

ARC chairman Mike Lee said all the redevelopment that was needed was a well-designed cruise ship terminal and a new coat of asphalt.

However, Mr Toogood said a terminal should create a good impression by providing a high level of comfort and encourage visitors to spend more time and money in the CBD.

"This will not be achieved by providing a 'tin shed' style processing depot of a kind that one might experience in ports that are not high-value international tourist destinations."

Mr Toogood said he would meet Mr Banks and Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully to discuss what they had in mind.

A cruise ship terminal and an assembly point was needed though a theatre would not necessarily be needed before the Rugby World Cup.

Cruise New Zealand chairman Craig Harris said the theatre company's proposal seemed compatible with the industry.

"It's an example of a dual-purpose terminal but it's a decision for the city to decide who uses the space on non-ship days."

Mr Toogood said there was a serious gap in provision of venues for drama and dance in Auckland and the theatre company needed a space for populist, large-scale drama and for more intimate drama.