The America's Cup Tank Farm option is the best bet: Stop Stealing our Harbour

Stop Stealing Our Harbour applauds the Economic Development Minister David Parker's recent statements on the establishment of the America's Cup Village on the old Tank Farm at Wynyard Point.

Spokesperson Michael Goldwater says this will be a positive legacy for Auckland. Mr Parker's progress for siting the America's Cup bases on Wynyard Point will continue Sir Peter Blake's waterfront vision by de-industrialising the waterfront west of the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, leaving an important legacy for future maritime sporting events.

"We support Mr Parker's vision and applaud his efforts to return Auckland's waterfront to its citizens by creating a world-class America's Cup venue." says Goldwater.

Auckland Council's favoured option is the Wynyard Basin extensions to Halsey and Hobson Wharfs. Goldwater says this concept is counter-productive, environmentally damaging, costly and will destroy important views of the Harbour.

He adds Mr Parker's plans for the transformation of the Tank Farm will revitalise Wynyard Point, adding a world-class urban landscape for all to enjoy.

"The Auckland Harbour is a precious resource which is already under considerable pressure. Removing the Tank Farm and replacing it with a facility which delivers lasting value will be a win-win for the America's Cup and all Aucklanders."

Minister Parker has received an in-principle letter from Stolthaven, leaseholder of the Tank Farm, to move the hazardous facilities off the southern part of the site by the end of the year.

Quoted in the Herald, Parker said: "If that can be finalised, and I think there is a good chance it can be, the overall construction cost savings to the country are likely to be tens of millions of dollars and the Halsey St extension is then rendered unnecessary."

Goldwater says Stop Stealing Our Harbour welcomes the America's Cup and reiterates that the best solution for the Cup bases must deliver value to all Aucklanders, at minimal cost and impact on the Waitemata. "Let's turn the industrial Tank Farm into a waterfront we can be proud of, rather than pouring more concrete into the harbour and constructing a shed farm.”

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