Waterfront work kicks off for World Cup

While politicians and the public are focused on what to do with Queens Wharf for the Rugby World Cup, work is well advanced to develop another wharf for the 2011 festivities.

Architects Fearon Hay have won a design competition for a building on North Wharf at the Tank Farm that encompasses an existing wharf shed with extensions on either side.

It's part of about $107 million being spent on the first stage of the 29ha Tank Farm development by 2011.

Other projects include a $31.8 million marine events centre on the site of the old Team New Zealand bases in Halsey St, the first retail and entertainment precinct based around Jellicoe St and North Wharf, and Silo Park.

Plans for a $51.2 million Te Wero Bridge linking the Viaduct Harbour with the Tank Farm have been put back to 2016. In the meantime, a $2 million bridge will be built for the cup.

Auckland Regional Holdings - the investment arm of the Auckland Regional Council - and the Auckland City Council have budgeted $75 million for the first stage at the Tank Farm.

The city council is spending a further $31.8 million on the marine events centre. It has also committed $54 million to Queens Wharf and is seeking a further $30 million from the Government or other parties.

John Dalzell, chief executive of Sea + City, the public body developing the Tank Farm, says the cup has focused people's mind on what can be achieved at the Tank Farm by 2011.

He envisages Jellicoe St/North Wharf/Silo Park becoming an all-day destination for families, unlike "party central" at Queens Wharf with crowds of up to 20,000 fans.

THE COSTS

Getting the waterfront ready

* Tank Farm: $75m

* Temporary bridge: $2m

* Marine Events Centre: $32m

* Queens Wharf: $84m

* Total: $193m