Auckland convention centre smaller

Steven Joyce. Photo by Getty Images
Steven Joyce. Photo by Getty Images
The new design for the International Convention Centre in Auckland has been released, showing a cut-down version of the original complex.

It is a controversial offering, as the design found itself constrained by the Government's reluctance to put taxpayer money into a building which casino company SkyCity was meant to be building itself.

In a trade-off with the Government, SkyCity got gambling laws relaxed on condition it came up with a $402 million design.

However, it emerged earlier this year that SkyCity's initially offering was going to cost up to $530 million and it wanted a public contribution to top up its investment.

Prime Minister John Key had raised concerns about constraining the design within the original parameters.

"I'm keen to see the best convention centre I can for Auckland, because this is a very long-term asset, so I would hate to see some sort of eyesore constructed down town,'' he said.

"There are issues around the construction of it. Obviously you can spend more and get something that looks a lot better, or spend a bit less and get something that looks worse."

A public backlash over stumping up cash set the scene for a stand-off between the Government and SkyCity, with the casino company eventually reining in its expectations of other funding to ease its burden.

The new design was launched by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison this morning.

It is a smaller centre at 32,000sq m, with capacity for fewer people and capable of hosting smaller conferences.

For all that, the revamped International Convention Centre design still costs more than the original deal between SkyCity and the Government.

At a news conference this morning, economic development minister Steven Joyce said no public money would go towards the cost of the covention centre.

The change in size and value does not appear to have impacted the claimed benefits of the centre, with SkyCity executives claiming it will still bring a $90 million economic boost to Auckland.

 

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