(PR.co.nz) Plans to start construction on Auckland’s newest events centre are advancing well. Work at the prime waterfront location in Halsey Street Wharf is set to start in April.
Auckland City Council’s Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee this week announced a new name for the 6000m2 facility changing it from Marine Events Centre to Viaduct Events Centre.
Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle explains, “We considered various proposals and have chosen a name that helps to identify the location and ensures that the facility is not seen as a venue for marine-based events only.”
“We are very excited about the opening of the Viaduct Events Centre. It will support several key Auckland events, as well as helping to secure our city’s success on the international events calendar,” he says.
Hawkins Construction has been awarded the contract to construct the facility on Halsey Street wharf, previously the site of the Oracle America’s Cup. The company officially takes over the site on 29 March and will start preparing for construction in April.
The multi-purpose facility will offer flexible exhibition, meeting and hospitality space on Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct Harbour. Expected to be completed and in use by Rugby World Cup 2011, the facility will offer external public spaces close to the waters edge offering spectacular views of the Waitemata Harbour and the city skyline.
With its ideal location, it will be just a few minutes walk from some of Auckland’s best accommodation and entertainment offerings, as well as the city centre and public transport services.
The Viaduct Events Centre will help create significant economic benefit to Auckland. Through an aggressive event attraction strategy, the Viaduct Events Centre will have the potential to generate up to $128 million of additional expenditure in the Auckland region.
For more information about the Viaduct Events Centre, visit the Auckland City Council Viaduct Events Centre section.
Media Release 12 March 2010 from Auckland City Council.