Parker wins the day – new hybrid America's cup option with fewer team bases
Whether Team New Zealand will be happy with the new arrangement is unclear.
The government has won its battle with Auckland Council over the America’s Cup bases.
There will now be a new Wynyard hybrid option for seven syndicate bases around Wynyard Point and Wynyard Basin.
Whether Team New Zealand will be happy with the new arrangement is unclear.
It incorporates elements of the Wynyard Basin option, agreed by the council in December and publicly notified last month, and the Wynyard Point variant explored by the government.
The new option chops down the number of bases from eight to seven and involves Stolthaven Terminals leaving its tank farm site two years before its lease expires.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the hybrid option reduces the need for large extensions into the harbour while creating a vibrant and connected America’s Cup village.
The agreement with Dutch company Stolthaven Terminals to vacate its southern tank farm site on Wynyard Point has also cleared the way for more land-based locations and reduced the proposed extension to Halsey Wharf from 75 metres to 35 metres.
“The deal, which sees Stolthaven Terminals vacate the premises earlier, is great for Auckland regardless of where the bases for the America’s Cup will be.
“We are able to reclaim previously unusable land on Wynyard Wharf and accelerate aspects of the redevelopment of Wynyard Point that will create a lasting legacy for Auckland after the cup regatta."
Under the new hybrid there will be room for restaurants and bars, public viewing, and hospitality areas.
Emirates Team New Zealand is still to comment on the hybrid option and is in discussions with the council and government.
Economic Development Minister David Parker, who was behind the government’s push for a Wynyard Point option claiming it would cost less money, says the proposal is a win-win-win for all parties, reducing costs and environmental impact while offering an excellent venue for the defence.
Mr Goff has discussed the hybrid option with councillors and it will be considered by the council’s governing body.
Sally Lindsay
Wed, 14 Feb 2018
Wed, 14 Feb 2018
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Parker wins the day – new hybrid America's cup option with fewer team bases
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