News in brief: Queens Wharf

From City Scene, published on 19 July, 2009.

An ideas and design competition for the development of Queens Wharf is currently being organised by Auckland City Council, Auckland Regional Council and central government.

The council wants to tap into local creativity and innovation by allowing anyone to take part in the competition, which will run from about the start of August for 10 weeks.

The competition's brief will guide submissions to transform Queens Wharf, establishing a new cruise ships terminal for Auckland and developing the wharf as an effective public space for use during Rugby World Cup 2011, as well as for other future events. Submitters will be asked to consider the industrial heritage of the site when developing their designs.

Ideas will be judged by a panel of independent experts and a shortlist of designs will be created. The public will be able to comment on the ideas and designs, hopefully in late August. The winner is anticipated to be announced by mid-October.