2011 Rugby World Cup

[micheal_warren 206]

I'm thinking the same, if only. Even though there is a slightly higher cost than the Eden Park upgrade, just think, we would have a world class 60kpax stadium that was new and would actually look new.

Not only that, but the site at Bledisloe Wharf would put the stadium right next to the Britomart transport center, and the new 12kpax Vector Indoor Arena.

It would provide abit of a sports hub (mix that with the facilities at *the Edge), and an icon for the Auckland harbourfront.

Fingers crossed

i reckon a new stadium would be brilliant in auckland!!!! i have my fingers crossed

[arwebb 133]

The media is saying the most likely area of the Auckland waterfront the stadium would be built if the plan goes ahead is Bledisloe Whalf (its a fitting named area for a rugby stadium dont you think?)

If it doesn't get built there, there's something wrong with them.

[Rafa 43]

ok that space is a bit tight for a stadium development especially during the construction period if the stadium goes ahead..the old auckland train station can be used as a transport centre during 2011 to cope with the influx of crowds on match days

ill try and sort out some renders...is auckland available in 3d from google yet?

[stevie 14]

I dont think they would want to build a stadium right on the whalf, it being reclaimed land and all but the area just below, its is all extremally underdeveloped industrial area for the ports of auckland. Just left to the Old Stataion is there the Auckland Arena has been constructed and the old stadium would make a good transport hub along with Britomart Central.

[Rafa 43]

are they still looking for a reason to build a new stadium?

this is reason enough

[stevie 14]

I know. Auckland has such a spectacular skyline especially at night. But the waterfront really lets the city down, I mean it’s a hell of a lot better now with the Viaduct Basin but there are still large areas of it like Tank farm and Bledsoe Wharf. Just picture a brand new stadium, all lit up, right on the waterfront with the sky tower and the city sparkling in the back ground. It would just be spectacular and could really put Auckland on the map.

[Rafa 43]

cape town took its loss making waterfront and turned it into the most visited place in south africa on average 23 million tourists a year, and the most valuable land asset in south africa..auckland can do the same. All this took place within a matter of years.

ooh...im thinking a waterfront olympic park...how much space at the waterfront from those images above could be opened up or used as space for a waterfront

[stevie 14]

cape town took its loss making waterfront and turned it into the most visited place in south africa on average 23 million tourists a year, and the most valuable land asset in south africa..auckland can do the same. All this took place within a matter of years.

ooh...im thinking a waterfront olympic park...how much space at the waterfront from those images above could be opened up or used as space for a waterfront

Practically all of it. The Auckland city council is looking at relocating the ports of Auckland away from the waterfront opening up all of it to development. It’s just what to put there is the process they are going through now. This is the website of the project on Tankfarm Design Concept

[Rafa 43]

Essentially, any waterfront project or redevelopment is going to be a success, and auckland has the potential to create something spectacular.

[mattygs 274]

Change of plan, the NZ Herald today reports that Prime Minister Helen Clark and Sports/Rugby World Cup 2011 Minister Trevor Mallard are seriously considering a *stadium over the water* concept.

It is thought that Bledisloe Wharf is abit too valuable to the port, and an alternate site between Captain Cook and Marsden Wharf's is being looked into.

Stadium over water latest plan

Monday September 18, 2006

By Bernard Orsman

A second proposal for a national stadium built over water near the bottom of Queen St is under serious Government consideration for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The Herald understands architects and engineers are working on plans for a 60,000-seat stadium between Captain Cook and Marsden wharves. It would be built on hundreds of piles driven into the seabed to carry the weight of a stadium.

The proposal is separate from the suggested $350 million stadium flagged last week for nearby Bledisloe Wharf. That option looks unlikely because the wharf is the country's third-busiest container terminal.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Helen Clark and a spokeswoman for Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard did not deny the latest plan when it was put to them by the Herald yesterday.

They remained tight-lipped about whether they are evaluating potential downtown waterfront sites as an alternative to upgrading Eden Park at a cost of $320 million. A report will go to the Cabinet next month.

The Herald understands that Helen Clark and Mr Mallard strongly favour a waterfront stadium, if a site can be secured and the project developed in time for the 2011 tournament.

Mr Mallard's submission on the Eden Park upgrade stressed the regional and national significance, the economic, social and cultural benefits from a "world-class stadium".

"A piece of world-class infrastructure has the potential to add to the urban form of Auckland and act as a source of regional and national pride," Mr Mallard said.

Captain Cook and Marsden wharves are used by Ports of Auckland for importing used cars as they are old and cannot take the weight of cranes.

It is understood the wharves could be handed over for the stadium by the Auckland Regional Council, which owns the port company through its investment arm, Auckland Regional Holdings. The ARC would have to compensate the port company for the wharves but would get the money back in a dividend.

It is not known how much the Captain Cook/Marsden stadium would cost or how much wharf and water space would be needed.

The roofed, 56,500-seat Telstra Dome in Melbourne Docklands was built on a 2ha site 170m by 140m in 2000 at a cost of $530 million.

Structural engineer Murray Jacobs, who has designed some of the biggest buildings in Auckland, said there was no reason why a stadium could not be built over water using hundreds of piles with bracing to take lateral loads.

"With engineering most things can be done. It is just a matter of money," he said.

Mr Jacobs said a concrete structure over water would have a "small premium" over building on firm ground, adding it was surprising how clever design could reduce costs.

The idea for a waterfront stadium has captured the public imagination, with more than two-thirds of nearly 200 people who sent emails to the Herald last week on the Bledisloe Wharf option saying a new purpose-built stadium would be a showcase for the city and the nation.

It's great to see there is enthusiasm from the government in at least looking into this option, how more appropriate than making an icon on the Auckland harbourfront - paying tribute to our most love game.

On the same issue, IRB Chief Mike Millar seems all positive about the progress made so far about the RWC, saying that the NZRU has shown it is probably the most organised rugby union in the world, and that the planning is further along compared to any other previous host nation at the same time.

[stevie 14]

It was interesting to see the Head of the Eden Park redevelopment project ocme out yesterday saying that becasue we don't know where the final is going to be held that we risk the Australian union trying to take the hosting right away from us. Sounds to me like someone is just trying to gain more support for Eden Park.

[mattygs 274]

I was interesting to see the Head of the Eden Park redevelopment project ocme out yesterday saying that becasue we don't know where the final is going to be held that we risk the Australian union trying to take the hosting right away from us. Sounds to me like someone is just trying to gain more support for Eden Park.

He just knows how the minds of a Kiwi works, get everyone edgy by saying the Aussies are wanting to take it away, absolute bullshit.

The Eden Park plan is all ready to go, the plans are drawn up, resource consent is all underway - it's just that people (in very very high places) are looking at all the options.

In other words, it's a pretty good fallback plan (having it at a redeveloped Eden Park)

[Rafa 43]

fantastic...a waterfront stadium like YAY. 2010 south africa 2011 new zealand and in 2012 ill be londoning.

[Rafa 43]

[arwebb 133]

A stadium over the water? Doesn't that sound a bit risky?

[Rafa 43]

[stevie 14]

A stadium over the water? Doesn't that sound a bit risky?

Well no they dont mean actually intend to build the stadium over water, they would reclaim the land between the two wharfs.

[arwebb 133]

Have they said what they are going to do to do that?

[stevie 14]

Have they said what they are going to do to do that?

they are saying we will know next month

[stevie 14]

Leafy Victoria Park 'ideal' for stadium

75,000 Seat Stadium for Victoria Park?

Victoria Park is now a live contender to house a world-class stadium with leading Auckland architect Michael O'Sullivan touting the site as the ideal inner-city venue.

O'Sullivan, a partner in the firm Bull/O'Sullivan Architecture, was commissioned by the Hong Kong Rugby Union to find a venue for their proposed stadium. Having experience in locating sites in densely populated urban areas, O'Sullivan believes Victoria Park is the best place in Auckland to build a legacy stadium for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and beyond.

While previous feasibility studies have supposedly rejected Victoria Park, O'Sullivan says the venue is big enough to house a 75,000-seat stadium within the existing tree line.

Transit is committed to putting the motorway fly-over that bisects Victoria Park underground, and O'Sullivan says suitable parking could also be built underground. The rail terminal at Britomart is capable of delivering thousands of fans to within walking distance of the park.

O'Sullivan's initial proposal would see the new stadium contain an Olympic running track with retractable seats to push spectators to the edge of the pitch when rugby is being played. At 30m-35m high, the stadium would be in context with the surrounding buildings and only marginally higher than the trees already protecting Victoria Park.

A conceptual price tag of $215 million has been attached to the project but O'Sullivan says that figure would rise depending on what final design was chosen.

He said: "If this stadium becomes a national identity, then I believe most people associate New Zealand as being a lush, green place and the site for the new stadium should put that into context."

With no significant structures and the Auckland City Council already owning the land, building the stadium in time for the 2011 World Cup is achievable.

Resource consent is likely to be easier than either the waterfront or Eden Park options with a proposal in place to create a new park on the existing tank farm that could rehouse Grafton Cricket Club and Waiheke Rugby League Club.

[mattygs 274]

No doubt in a move to boost the opinion of the *Eden Park* option, some new (admitedly good) renders of the redeveloped Eden Park have been released.

[Rafa 43]

wow..oh my gawd im such a rendering whore.

[stevie 14]

The renderings looks good but Eden still looks odd with the old stand. But the one showing the inside of the stadiums looks amazing. Although a waterfront stadium would be spectacluar.

[stevie 14]

Just an update with the new stadium, yesterday the Auckland City Council formally backed the plan for a National Stadium to be constructed to host the final of the 2011 World Cup. Of course this is awesome new and one step closer. I pray this venue becomes a reality, if this all comes together then Auckland and New Zealand is going to one hell of a sporting infrastructure. 3 stadiums with capcities over 40,000 isnt too bad for a country of 4 million.

[Rafa 43]

commonwealth games bid