Eden Park says costs and foundations solid

MEDIA RELEASE
15 November 2006

Eden Park says costs and foundations solid

Eden Park Development Committee Chairman Rob Fisher said today that Eden Park’s quantity surveyors WT Partnership had confirmed a cost estimate of $385m for a full completion of the Eden Park seating bowl, including a significantly lower roof and 53,000 covered seats.

“WT Partnership has undertaken a detailed analysis of Eden Park’s revised design plans and provided confirmation of costs,” he said.

“The public can have a high level of confidence in Eden Park’s cost estimate, design plans and construction timetable. There is no such certainty with a waterfront stadium.”

Mr Fisher also said there were no issues with volcanic rock underneath Eden Park.

“Let me be absolutely clear about this. The foundation properties at Eden Park are very well known to our design and engineering team. Large structures have been built there already and geotechnical drilling has been undertaken in the location of the ASB Extension and new South Stand. There are no problems,” he said.

Mr Fisher said Eden Park’s completed stadium bowl design could be finished in the same time as its original $320m option. “There is no impact on our timeframe whatsoever – we can be ready by the end of 2010.”

“We have nine months of planning under our belt and this time has been put to good use. Our design plans are highly advanced and well past the concept stage. This means Eden Park can provide a world-class stadium at low risk.”

Mr Fisher said Eden Park would present detailed cost information and technical reports to Auckland City Council tomorrow morning.

Mr Fisher said the cost to relocate Auckland Cricket from Eden Park was included in the $385m cost estimate, not on top of it, correcting a Government statement from last week.

Mr Fisher also said Fletcher Building was only one of a number of companies on the shortlist to redevelop Eden Park. “We are committed to a competitive tendering process and a fixed price contract,” Mr Fisher said.

ENDS

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