Veranda plan for wharf

Auckland architects Copeland Associates have proposed a giant veranda for Queens Wharf. Photo / Supplied

A giant veranda with a wave motif is being proposed for the Queens Wharf development by the Auckland architects, Copeland Associates.

Director Barry Copeland says the stretched fabric structure could be installed in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and stand as a symbol of unification for the emerging Super City.

The design challenges the mainstream concept drawings released by the Auckland City Council and Auckland Regional Council in last week's Weekend Herald.

Last month's purchase of Queens Wharf to become "party central" for the cup and the location for a cruise ship terminal has led to jockeying between Auckland City Mayor John Banks and ARC chairman Mike Lee to win over Aucklanders.

Now, Mr Lee says, the time has come to stop the squabbling and throw open the wharf to a design competition.

"We saw what happened with the Britomart design competition. It worked brilliantly," he said.

The two councils are planning a design competition and working on a brief within a budget to strengthen and develop the wharf at the bottom on Queen St.

Auckland City's chief planner, John Duthie, and his equivalent at the ARC, John Smith, yesterday met the Institute of Architects to discuss a process for a competition. Once the process has been approved by the councils' planning committees, the contest could be announced this month.

Mr Duthie said he envisaged a two-stage competition compressed into 10 to 12 weeks. The first stage would seek broad ideas from design professionals and the public. The second stage would take some of the ideas up to a more detailed proposal. "We are open to public input and testing good ideas," Mr Duthie said.

Mr Copeland said the veranda would be made of membrane fabric. The design included keeping the two 97-year-old cargo sheds for now as a cruise ship terminal with a skybridge between them.

"If you are going to have a party, the thing that brings people together is a roof or a veranda. The party central is not going to happen unless you seriously think about providing some shelter for a lot of people.

"It would be absolutely terrific to be under a soaring roof. There will be beacons at night, the light would shine off them ... it would be very dramatic and fun," the architect said.