Cultural centre, aquarium eyed
Plans for a new national stadium sunken into the Auckland waterfront could include a cultural centre and Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium relocated into the basement, Auckland councillors heard yesterday.
Members of the Auckland Waterfront Consortium presented plans for the stadium to the council’s planning committee.
Richard Goldie, of Peddle Thorp Architects, said the consortium was “genuinely excited” about the stadium, which had to be something Aucklanders and their children could be proud of. It would cost $1.8 billion and could be built within 10 years at no cost to ratepayers and taxpayers.
The fully enclosed stadium would seat 50,000 spectators, which could be increased to 65,000 seats for major events such as another Rugby World Cup.
Consortium chairman Dave Wigmore said they had taken advice on the best way to work with mana whenua and saw an opening for a waterfront cultural centre.
Kelly Tarlton’s could also relocate to the basement.