4 October 2000

INDOOR ARENA A STEP CLOSER FOR AUCKLAND CITY

The proposed 12,000 seat indoor arena for Quay Park in Auckland is a step closer following the recommendation of a majority of Auckland City Councillor's that the proposal go forward for consideration in next year's annual plan.

"The Arena of New Zealand, is a much needed asset if Auckland City is serious about being the First City of the Pacific", says Councillor Victoria Carter, Chairperson of the working party established to investigate and progress the establishment of a multi-use arena in the City.

Councillor Carter says that it is estimated the development of an indoor arena will add between $28 and $50 million per annum to the regional economy.

"Having the arena at one end of the CBD and the Viaduct at the other will mean we have created a visible anchor for further development of Auckland's waterfront", said Councillor Carter.

Councillor Carter says it is time to get serious about why the Council ever bought the land, take a progressive step to getting this country an arena of significance and getting Auckland City a venue that is ideally placed to encourage best use of our restaurants, hotels and transport centres.

"The Quay Park site is ideally located as a transport hub with access from ferries, bus, train and private motor vehicles.
MORE
"Facilities that are well integrated into an urban framework have substantial potential for influencing development patterns and coupling attendance at an event with other activities in the hospitality sector.

"We only have to look at the response to the Wellington Stadium where the central location is often commented on as being a real plus to get an idea of how positively such developments are received", said Councillor Carter.

Councillor Kay McKelvie, chairperson of the Finance and Property Committee says that the arena will attract a range of audiences, particularly young audiences and provide for large-scale family events and facilities for minor sporting codes.

"Many Aucklanders who are not currently well served by other city facilities will benefit from this initiative and this is reinforced in surveys undertaken by Council showing that 81% of Aucklanders supported the idea of an indoor arena.

"The reality is that if we wish to build this indoor arena for the benefit of future generations then Council will have to contribute to the funding in partnership with the private sector.

"It would be our intention to contribute to the initial capital cost with any private sector partner being responsible for the operating costs. Council will also continue to seek support from the other Council's in our region as the Arena is seen as a regional initiative", says Councillor McKelvie

The Council will consider details of funding plans for the project in November and the information will be included as part of next years annual plan.
ENDS
For further information please contact.
Councillor Victoria Carter, telephone 09) 5291121 or 025) 377 018:
Councillor Kay McKelvie, telephone 09) 846 7076 or 025) 279 6448

© Scoop Media