More news for this week

Praise for Queens Wharf designs

Opening the Red Gates: Prime Minister John Key steps onto Queens Wharf with Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks and other distinguished guests.

From City Scene, published on 20 September, 2009.

With hundreds of people across New Zealand (and the world) submitting their designs for Queens Wharf, the first stage of the "Opening the Red Gates" design competition has been deemed an excellent success.

More than 230 entries were received and competition organisers say they are impressed by the amount of high-quality submissions, by those ranging from professional architects to intermediate-aged students.

Last Sunday's Queens Wharf access day was also a success, with hundreds of people stepping onto the wharf to view designs and check out what will be one of New Zealand's most exciting public spaces.

At the Union Fish Co building on Quay Street, the designs are still on display and are proving very popular with nearly 1000 people visiting last Sunday.

Designs on display: Members of the public check out the designs.

For those who cannot make it down to Quay Street, the designs are available online for viewing and comment at the dedicated Queens Wharf website.

More than 20,000 visitors have visited the website already, from as far afield as America, France, Italy and China.

Entries are now being evaluated by the chief executives of the three partner agencies involved in the project - Ministry of Economic Development (on behalf of central government), Auckland City Council and Auckland Regional Council.

They will be guided by independent experts, and finalists will be announced at the end of the month.

Got an idea?

Don't forget you can still send in your ideas for the Queens Wharf development.

Visit the Queens Wharf website or post them to
attn: Simon Lough
Queens Wharf Ideas, Auckland City Council,
Private Bag 92516
Wellesley Street,
Auckland
1141.