Controversial stadium plan passes another hurdle
The project is expected to provide 110 full-time equivalent jobs and contribute $7.4 million in GDP to Auckland's southern area each year.
Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development has approved the business plan for the development of a whitewater rafting stadium in Manukau.
The proposal for the $58.9 million stadium and adjoining facilities came under fire last month when it was revealed Auckland Council’s economic development arm had not reviewed it.
It had been reviewed by Regional Facilities Auckland, but councillor Cameron Brewer moved that it also be reviewed by ATEED.
The plan says the project will provide 110 full-time equivalent jobs and contribute $7.4 million in GDP to the southern area of Auckland each year.
ATEED thinks the figure is conservative.
Counties Manukau Pacific Trust chairman Sir Noel Robinson says he hopes the findings silence opposition to the project.
The plans have been under scrutiny since the council's strategy and finance committee agreed last month to sell a section of council land adjacent to the Pacific Events Centre in Manukau to help fund the stadium.
Another arm of the council, Auckland Council Properties, is in charge of selling the land, which is valued at about $20 million.
Strategy and finance committee chairwoman Penny Webster says public consultation will take place early next year as part of the annual plan.
Victoria Young
Thu, 29 Nov 2012
Thu, 29 Nov 2012
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Controversial stadium plan passes another hurdle
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