RWC 2011

[Gwynn]

Carlaw would of been the logical choice, and if we could think long term in this country, we would of built a 60k+ stadium there years ago.

What amazes me is the politicians and city fathers claim that Carlaw park couldn't handle 60 thousand people, but I believe its hosted events of up to 100,000 before... and quite well too.

[ugly ref]

If they are going to spend that much money on a crash hot stadium, they should go for the 2016 Olympics!!

Two birds with one stone.

UR

[Al2]

Last I heard, ground stability tests on the Auckland waterfront still needed to be done to see whether building a stadium there was even possible.  And with so much opposition to a waterfront stadium it's hard to be optimistic that Auckland will come up with a solution in time, I hope I'm wrong though.  As far as Jade Stadium is concerned.  It would be a cheaper option with more chance of success.  Though you might argue that the Crusaders would end up playing in a half empty stadium.  As far as accommodation is concerned, it would certainly be difficult.  But as long as it's not in Sydney I'm happy.

[Gwynn]

A half empty Jade is better than a quarter full Eden/Waterfront 

[fitzyone]

I thought i'd better add my view having to live in Auckland and put up with a load of Donkeys on the ACC and the ARC. I've kept a paper clipping of these 8 or 9 donkeys who, after being told "Water front or Eden Park", chose Carlaw Park. How dumb is that!!
The average down to earth rugby fan like myself, is getting driven mental over this issue.

To all of you living outside this city who think we are a load of tossers, are partially correct. There is a big population here, that don't give a monkey's about Rugby or sport in general. They phone up radio talkback and complain about ' Health" Education...Transport...anything but a new stadium.  Like......they need to get a life!!

I pay my taxes, pay for Health Insurance, try to make ends meet and love my sport. And when an option like this comes along, im all for it. But all the nutters come out the woodwork. Across the Auckland Harbour is a place called Devonport. Do u know, there were complaints about " noise" that could travel over there, and what the view of the stadium would look like.......from there!! Can u believe it!!
Then some people who live in Apartments on the Auckland waterfront......overlooking the shappy looking container wharf.......complain about losing their view......omgod!!. These are just some  sad cases. Then you get some radio show hosts  ....who are well connected to Eden Park, have their own TV shows as well, start to  push the political wheelbarrow cause they don't want the waterfront option.

And now the decision is in the hands of " Donkeys" in 7 or so days time. There is gonna be a lot of unhappy people in Auckland next week.........so please......cut us some slack. Its out of our hands.
While im at it......heres a good site www.waterfrontstadium.co.nz

Im hoping its the waterfront. Just wait till the residents of Eden Park get involved if its not.........there will be kaos in MT. Eden.

fitzy

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Thanks fitzyone that at least there's one level -headed sports fan still in ORKLAND to support the only move that'll bring our beautiful country into the 21st century! ......but knowing the form of some of those JAFFA politicians i'm not holding my breath...but I have everything else crossed in HOPE!

                 It's really a no brainer!
                    TREV's got my vote!
                      Cheers,
                         Baz 

[Gwynn]

An update on the Eden Park Upgrade from stuff.co.nz

Eden Pk redevelopment appeal withdrawn

An agreement has been reached between Eden Park neighbours and the group redeveloping the Auckland stadium for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.


As a result the Eden Park Neighbours Association has withdrawn their appeal to the Environment Court against the resource consents granted to the park in January.

"This is a great result for the Park and for the local residents as it will enable the redevelopment to proceed on schedule while still taking account of local concerns in both the design and construction phases of the project," chairman of the newly established Eden Park Redevelopment Board, John Waller said in a press release.

The park currently has consents in place for building a larger stadium, but under the terms of the agreement reached last month between the Government and the Eden Park Trust Board, the new South Stand will be a significantly smaller structure and, post-Rugby World Cup, the seating will be reduced from the 60,000 plus capacity for the tournament.

"The draft concept design significantly reduces a number of adverse impacts on the local residents such as shading and traffic/pedestrian flows."

Mr Waller said that although variations would be required to the existing consents obtained for the Park, the withdrawal of the appeal removed a major barrier to engaging the key contractors for the project.

"The redevelopment project is now firmly back on track, and the Redevelopment Board looks forward to working with Eden Park management, the local residents and all the other stakeholders to deliver the finals venue for Rugby World Cup."

The terms of the agreement reached include:


Reduction in the height and bulk of the South Stand which will reduce shading impacts on nearby houses and its visual impacts on the residential neighbourhood;

Independent assessment of shading impacts from the new structures, and the development of mitigation packages for affected neighbours;

A bus/coach terminal in the south-west corner of the Park to improve traffic and pedestrian flows around the streets bordering the Park;

Reduction in the height of light towers which will lessen "light spill" into adjoining neighbours;

A consultation forum enabling neighbours to have input into key aspects of the redevelopment, including the development of protocols for traffic management at the Park, and the demolition and construction phases of the project.