Step onto Queens Wharf: 13 September

Wharf design competition: Submit your design for the "Opening the Red Gates" design competition.

From City Scene, published on 6 September, 2009.

Queens Wharf's iconic red gates will be swung open on Sunday, 13 September allowing the public a first glimpse of some of the designs being suggested for what will be one of New Zealand's most important public spaces.

With entries closing for the "Opening the Red Gates" design competition at noon this Friday, 11 September, it will also be an exciting opportunity for people to see how it can become a place that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.

The competition, which is being jointly run by central government, Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City Council, will also have designs on display at the Union Fish Co building at 116 Quay Street.

While Queens Wharf will only be open from 1pm-4pm on 13 September, the Union Fish Co building will be open until next month - allowing people plenty of time to view and comment on designs. People will also be able to do this at the dedicated Queens Wharf website.

To date, nearly 900 people, schools, architects and consortiums from around New Zealand and the world have registered to receive the design briefing documents.

While most formal design entries are expected to be received during this final week, general ideas already submitted through the Queens Wharf website and by post have been very diverse.

Some ideas to date include a large 3D model of Auckland in a glass box, piping the old Queen Street river into a cutaway within the wharf, a giant waka and erecting the world's tallest flagpole.

Got an idea?

Don't forget general ideas and suggestions for the Queens Wharf's development will be open until October for anyone to send in - either via post (Queens Wharf Ideas, Auckland City Council, Private Bag 92516 Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141, attn: Simon Lough) or submit yours online.