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Auckland city - Source: ONE News -
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Auckland's Queens Wharf has been secured as a public site permanently, Prime Minister John Key has announced.
Last week he announced that the government had secured Queens Wharf as "party central" for the duration of the 2011 Rugby World Cup - a site for fans to gravitate to during the tournament.
Key now says a deal has been struck between the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and the government to purchase the wharf outright from Ports of Auckland.
Both the ARC and the government have each paid $20 million in order to ensure this asset is available to be developed for the benefit of Aucklanders and all New Zealanders, Key says.
"We consider this joint purchase excellent value for money."
Queens Wharf will be the cornerstone asset in a wider waterfront development programme, Key says.
"By purchasing this site we have secured an asset that will live long after the Rugby World Cup has finished and give pleasure to visitors and locals alike for generations to come.
"The challenge now, is to Auckland city leaders who must move swiftly to begin the infrastructure programme that will transform this now publicly-owned space into a world-class waterfront attraction."
He says the wharf, if developed properly, will have a major impact on Auckland and New Zealand's economic performance.
"I urge Auckland local and regional bodies to rise to the
challenge this opportunity presents."
What do you think about the government purchasing Queen's
Wharf? Good decision that will boost NZs economy or a waste of
money? Share your thoughts on the message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentcannonloader said on 2009-06-20 @ 10:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
Party= bars= alcohol sales = TAX Why not have a extra alcohol sales based tax on all business in the area. If this facility will be so effectively used a 10% tax seems reasonable as well as the take from berthing fees, fuel (these things take several hundred tonnes each) and the general increase in turn over in lower queen street should cover the difference over a few years. Or will this be Aucklands Godzilla?
pratalno said on 2009-06-18 @ 17:52 NZDT: Report abusive post
From living in Asia and seeing the development that is going on here, it sometimes feels disappointing to see that NZ never has anything exciting and new going on, never the best, never the biggest! This Cathy Casey is a prime example of the useless politicians/councilors that NZ has, which is the reason why NZ can never show off and be the best for once. Why not? Why do we always have to except second best? Well done to Mr. Key for trying to make things happen!
Palpatine001 said on 2009-06-18 @ 16:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Well if the redevelopment has to better then the tin pot sheds we have there at the moment. Look we are bottlenecked to hold cruisers and opening up more space for them will help pay for the purchases a few times over within five or so years. As a spin off we get more open space down on the waterfront, something we already sorely lack.