$9.8 million New Queens Wharf design unveiled

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has unveiled plans for a $9.8 million redevelopment of Queens Wharf, click which will become the centre of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) festivities in Auckland.

In 2011, patient Queens Wharf will be the largest of Auckland’s four RWC 2011 Fanzones, featuring open areas and a multi-purpose temporary facility named “The Cloud”.

“For six weeks next year Queens Wharf will be a hub of activity for our international visitors and New Zealanders. It will be a place where we watch Rugby games, enjoy live music and festival events, wow international guests and media with views of Auckland’s stunning harbour, and showcase the best of New Zealand with displays and events,” said Mr Key.

Made from steel, timber, glass and opaque PVC, the structure will be 180 metres long and 4,430m2 , with space to hold around 6,000 people.

“This is an exciting design, which alongside developments in the [area], will do a great job opening up the Auckland waterfront to the public and the 85,000 overseas visitors that will travel here for RWC 2011.”

Events scheduled to be held at the venue include a New Zealand food and beverage show, textile and agritech displays and fashion shows. A mezzanine space would be used to host VIPs and as an international media lounge.

The building will also include a Tourism New Zealand i-Site, where trained staff will help to promote the REAL New Zealand Festival, staged alongside RWC 2011, as well as regional and national tourist attractions.

Queens Wharf was purchased in 2009 by the New Zealand Government and Auckland Regional Council for $40 million with the long term view of opening up the area for the people of Auckland. The historic Shed 10 will be refurbished and remain on site.