SKYCITY welcomes decision on Resource Consent application for NZICC

SKYCITY Entertainment Group welcomes the independent commissioners’ decision on the resource consent application for the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).

Auckland Council today announced that the independent commissioners have decided that the resource consent application for the NZICC will proceed on a non-notified basis.

The decision of the commissioners follows agreement between SKYCITY and the Crown on the Preliminary Design for the NZICC on 26 May 2015.

SKYCITY’s Chief Executive Officer Nigel Morrison says the decision is good news for the project and allows SKYCITY to move ahead with selecting a construction partner and finalising a date for turning the first sod on the landmark building.

“We now await the final resource consent decision, to be finalised by the independent commissioners over the next few months,’’ Mr Morrison says. “We are continuing to work towards signing a binding building works contract for the NZICC by October and then commencing construction by the end of 2015.”

The 33,000 sqm convention centre will be capable of hosting meetings of up to 3,150 people, two concurrent events of 1,200 delegates each, and one-off events of up to 4,200 people. The NZICC will be the largest purpose-built convention centre in the country.

SKYCITY also plans to construct a new laneway that will provide Aucklanders and visitors with a new public space, featuring shops, cafes, bars and quality signature restaurants like those on nearby Federal Street.

A part of the consent application is for a new 5-star, 300-room hotel. SKYCITY is currently progressing the preliminary design of the hotel and, as previously indicated, is exploring options with external investors for the development and future ownership of the hotel.

“We’re pleased that momentum is continuing to build on the NZICC project, bringing jobs, growth, and much-needed economic investment in downtown Auckland,’’ Mr Morrison says.

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