11 Jul 2010

PM suggests Victoria Park for World Cup party central

3:37 pm on 11 July 2010

Prime Minister John Key is suggesting that Victoria Park, on the edge of Auckland's central business district, could be turned into a base for partying football fans at next year's Rugby World Cup.

The Government is considering a variety of alternative locations after plans for a waterfront 'party central' venue at Queens Wharf stalled last week.

The wharf site was jointly bought by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and the Government for $40 million, with a plan to put up a temporary building.

But the ARC now wants to protect one of the two sheds at the site, putting it at odds with the Government.

A spokesperson for Mr Key's office says Victoria Park is an example of another possible fan zone, but several other venues are also being considered, including the Viaduct.