Deltacanopy

Posted on 20th Apr 2010 @ 12:25 AM

Auckland needs to support the government's proposal to build a temporary "party central" on Queens Wharf for the Rugby World Cup, says Manukau mayor Len Brown.

"We need to move ahead with preparations for the Rugby World Cup and get in place some great facilities," says the Auckland mayoralty candidate. "A temporary party central venue need not be an overly expensive or elaborate facility but is what is needed."

Mr Brown was commenting on news last week that the government and the Auckland Regional Council have hired architects to design a temporary tent as "party central" for the cup. Several plans for the waterfront have failed to satisfy all interests and this latest plan has drawn criticism too. Some critics say the wharf's 1912 cargo sheds should remain until the Auckland Council has time to develop a new masterplan for the waterfront.

"Whether the existing sheds remain or not should not be an issue," Mr Brown says.

"The bottom line is we need something which can be built quickly, will be fitting for the purpose and will provide a central venue during the Rugby World Cup."