1 Nov 2009

Council not impressed with Queens Wharf designs

10:10 am on 1 November 2009

A competition to redesign Auckland's Queens Wharf for the 2011 Rugby World Cup has so far attracted underwhelming and lacklustre entries, according to the head of the regional council.

The wharf was jointly purchased by the Government and the council in June with the aim of turning it into a World Cup party venue and developing a cruise ship terminal.

More than 230 competition entries have been received, but council chairman Mike Lee says the five final designs are mediocre at best because they include the site's two old wharf sheds.

Mr Lee says although it is not a requirement, entrants appear to believe they will not win unless the sheds are incorporated in their designs.

In order to get something truly inspirational, the original designs will have to be re-assessed or the competition thrown open to more entries, he says.