Auckland Council is on the hunt for a consortium capable of delivering an infrastructure redevelopment north of $300 million that would meet the city's plans to host the 36th America's Cup and APEC leaders' week in 2021

The country’s biggest local authority issued a registration of interest notice on the government’s online GETS tender website, inviting construction firms keen on joining an alliance to build the necessary infrastructure for hosting the international yachting competition and associated development linked to the APEC event.

Respondents have to be able to show evidence they have been involved in the design and construction of an infrastructure project worth more than $300m and the ability to work in good faith with council, Mana Whenua, partner firms, and other stakeholders.

The America’s Cup component, which includes base infrastructure such as wharf extensions, berthing for super yachts, and relocation of existing tenants, needs to be completed by October 2019 and has a tentative cost estimate of $170m subject to more detailed work and governing body approval.

The associated infrastructure is estimated to cost between $250m and $260m, of which some $170m-to-$180m of marine work such as a seawall upgrade and ferry terminal redevelopment could be included in the alliance.

“The America’s Cup and APEC 2021 mark a key milestone in the 10-year development plan for the city centre waterfront,” the notice said.

“There are significant legacy outcomes that can be leveraged in planning for these events, and the city centre and water development programme aims to make the most of this.”

Last month Auckland Council’s governing body confirmed the Wynyard Basin option as its preferred location for negotiations with central government and Emirates Team New Zealand for the event.

The NZ Herald this week reported Economic Development Minister David Parker was looking at the old Tank Farm at Wynyard Point as a cheaper alternative.

 

By Paul McBeth