World Cup on the waterfront

The Government is looking at ditching Eden Park as the premier venue for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and building a stadium on Auckland's waterfront.

The Herald understands Bledisloe Wharf, a short walk from downtown Auckland, is the favoured site for the 60,000-seat stadium promised by the Government and Rugby Union to secure New Zealand's bid to host the tournament.

Readers' Views: Where should our rugby stadium be?

The cost would be around $350 million, about 10 per cent more than the $320 million needed to upgrade Eden Park to lift seating capacity from 47,500 to 60,000.

World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard is understood to have serious concerns over the ability to upgrade Eden Park in time for the cup, particularly following fresh opposition by residents.

Mr Mallard, who is overseas, last night issued a statement saying the Government was evaluating downtown sites in addition to the proposed Eden Park redevelopment. A report was due at the middle of next month and would go to the Cabinet.

"The Government wants an assurance that there is no alternative better option to the Eden Park proposal, given the considerable size of the potential investment required.

"Proximity to good transport hubs, hospitality facilities, hotels, parking and the CBD are key to a city being able to leverage off this investment."

Mr Mallard said the Government would not consider topping up the $20 million commitment it made as part of the joint Government-Rugby Union bid until the two options were evaluated.

Aucklanders have overwhelmingly rejected the idea of paying for the Eden Park upgrade. In the latest Herald-DigiPoll survey, 46.7 per cent of Aucklanders said the biggest contribution should come from union coffers. Only a quarter of respondents said most of the money should come from taxpayers or ratepayers.

The Government is talking to Ports of Auckland about the possibility of using Bledisloe Wharf, a working container terminal, for the new stadium.

The site is across the road from the nearly completed Vector Indoor Arena and close to the Britomart transport terminal. Port company chief executive Geoff Vazey said he had provided information to the Government, but refused to elaborate.

Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee said the council would not support anything which would affect the future of Ports of Auckland. The ARC-controlled Auckland Regional Holdings owns the ports.

Mr Lee said the move to look at sites other than Eden Park was belated but "better late than never. "

He also said it was not feasible to vacate parts of Bledisloe with reclamation work continuing at Fergusson Wharf, 1.5km to the east, where 5ha is being reclaimed for new container facilities.

Eden Park Trust Board chief executive John Alexander said if the Government chose a new waterfront stadium "it would pretty much spell the end of Eden Park", which had been on the same site since 1900 and hosted many of New Zealand's most famous sporting moments.

Eden Park Neighbours Association spokesman Mike Donnelly welcomed news. "The problem with the current Eden Park proposal is that it wants to put a CBD-scale stadium into a suburban area."

Mr Donnelly said upgrading Eden Park would provide two new stands. Starting from scratch and building in the city gave developers the chance to create a world-class stadium close to hotels, restaurants and public transport. He said it was also an opportunity to add a "stunning piece of architecture" on the waterfront.

Eden Park development committee chairman Rob Fisher said the proposed Eden Park design met the brief for the World Cup, offered value for money and was achievable in the timeframe. It remained to be seen whether another option could better meet the brief.

Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs, who also chairs Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, supported the Government's initiative to explore all options.

"Our focus is on the Rugby World Cup and meeting all the requirements and objectives of that event. But the tournament also presents the Auckland region with a significant opportunity to enhance and upgrade key infrastructure."