Auckland Council Plans AC Team Bases

Three main options have been put forward as bases for the America’s Cup on the Auckland, New Zealand waterfront at cost of between $140 million and $190 million. The three options are extending Halsey Wharf, costing $190 million, a smaller extension of Halsey Wharf and an extension to Westhaven Marina, and dispersing the syndicate bases between Halsey Wharf, Hobson Wharf and Wynyard Point.

The councilors are required to make a decision on November 23 to allow for resource consent to be lodged in January, work to start mid next year and completed in the second half of 2019.

Panuku Development Auckland design and place director Rod Marler said technical experts have undertaken a robust evaluation of a long list of possible locations in Auckland. “The locations have been evaluated on three criteria – ability to deliver in the timeframe, ability to meet the requirements of the teams/events and the extent to which any investment delivers a legacy for Auckland and New Zealand,” he said. Marler said the figures of $140 million to $190 million were “very indicative costs”.

Team New Zealand favour the Halsey St option, but there is strong opposition to a large wharf extension of Halsey Wharf into the Waitemata Harbour from the Society for the Protection of Auckland Harbours and Stop Stealing Our Harbour.

Councilors were told the 2020 America’s Cup regatta would add between $550 million and $1 billion in direct benefit to the New Zealand economy. Steve Armitage, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development destination general manager, said the 2000 and 2003 America’s Cup regattas delivered more than $1b in total benefits for New Zealand, mainly in the marine and tourism industries.

Although the team has a strong preference to hold the event in Auckland, Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton admitted there was no infrastructure for New Zealand’s biggest city to host the regatta and announced Italy as back-up host, in case Auckland couldn’t be ready in time. If Auckland gets the green light, racing will take place on the Hauraki Gulf, as was the case when Auckland hosted in 2000 and 2003.

The deadline for a final announcement on the location is August 31, 2018.

Source: New Zealand Herald