Controversial Wynyard Wharf tank farm back on table for America's Cup base
Wednesday, 14 February 2018
A controversial option for Auckland's hosting of the 2021 America's Cup is back on the table.
On Thursday Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Minister for Economic Development David Parker announced a 'Wynyard hybrid option' for Emirates Team New Zealand's defence of the iconic trophy.
A deal has been struck with Dutch company Stolthaven Terminals to vacate its tank farm on Wynyard Point, paving the way for Auckland Council's preferred site to be approved.
The option would provide for at least seven syndicate bases around two basins in the Wynyard Wharf area with provision for restaurants and bars, public viewing, and hospitality areas.
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In November Auckland Council voted in favour of a base spread across the Wynyard, Halsey and Hobson Wharves.
The deal with Stolthaven Terminals also clears the way for more land-based locations and reduces the proposed extension to Halsey Wharf from 75 metres to 35 metres, Goff said.
'With Stolthaven Terminals vacating its premises 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,' Goff said.
Thursday's announcement followed talks late last week between Goff and Parker.
Now Goff needs to take the Wynyard hybrid option back to council's Governing Body to discuss a final choice for the competition's base 'in the near future'.
Prolonged negotiations are putting the delivery of the event worth millions to Auckland at risk and the worst case scenario could see the 36th America's Cup hosted in Italy.
A report approved by the council's governing body on December 14 identified hold-ups in settling on a location for the America's Cup sites as a 'high-level risk' to Auckland's ability to host the event.
While the council forged ahead with its plans, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has been doing its own work investigating the feasibility of the Wynyard Point option.
The Protocol for the 36th America's Cup stipulates Auckland needs to confirm its intentions and ability to host the event before August 31, otherwise there is a risk it will be moved to Italy.
Government and council will continue discussions with Emirates Team New Zealand.