Wharf to get new arts centre

Auckland may have missed out on a upgraded Queens Wharf for the Rugby World Cup, but it will get a new events centre on the waterfront.

Work starts next month on the $29.6 million marine events centre on the Halsey St wharf, renamed the Viaduct Events Centre to indicate it will host more than marine events.

The 6000sq m venue will be built on the site of the Oracle America's Cup base and will host events such as Fashion Week and the Boat Show.

The centre is being paid for by Auckland City ratepayers and will be included in a regional facilities council controlled organisation under the Super City.

The Government wants 16 major arts facilities to go into a single CCO to make better use of Auckland's venues and achieve a high level of co-ordination.

The events centre is alongside the first development at the Tank Farm, which will revitalise Jellicoe St and North Wharf for the cup.