SKYCITY Plan Gets Council Support

SKYCITY Plan Gets Council Support

SKYCITY Entertainment’s proposal for the re-development of Federal Street received support from the Auckland City Council at an open meeting of the City Development Committee last Thursday. SKYCITY is eager to see the development completed for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

SKYCITY’s plan has two major parts to it; the redevelopment of Federal Street creating an enhanced inner city destination with a diversity of great bars and restaurants, and the expansion of the SKYCITY Convention Centre across Federal Street.

SKYCITY’s chief executive officer, Nigel Morrison commended the Council for its vision.

“This project will see the combination of Council and private funding, it’s hugely positive for the city. Having it completed in time for the Rugby World Cup will ensure significant economic spinoff for the inner city businesses, hotels, bars and restaurants.”

Mr Morrison was quick to add it was very much at concept stage and would be subject to the normal resource consent process but believes Federal Street has huge potential given its inner city proximity.

“We want to create something that is quite international. Millions of visitors come to the SKYCITY every year, but the reality is that Federal Street is currently a street for buses, taxis and entrances into car parks. This proposal will rejuvenate this central area which is pivotal to the majority of the city’s entertainment areas. It will be great for reviving Auckland’s inner city.”

Mr Morrison says SKYCITY plan to invest over $20m into the development that will greatly improve Auckland’s standing in the convention space while enhancing the internationalisation of Auckland as a city, in the minds of visitors.

“We know Auckland has missed out on conferences in the past because it doesn’t have a venue that caters for over 1,000 people. These two projects, we believe, with Council’s cooperation around the resource consent process, could be completed in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, capitalising on the expected international and inter-regional visitation to Auckland.”

ENDS

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