Now that the rugby world cup juggernaut has passed through town the focus for Auckland’s waterfront has shifted to improving cruise ship facilities at Queens Wharf.

Waterfront Auckland has called for Expressions of Interest from architectural practices to progress a preferred design for Shed 10. The proposed new terminal will build on the recent improvements made to the Wharf and is expected to be ready for the 2012-13 cruise season.

Chief Executive John Dalzell said, “The great thing about the wharf is that it is big enough for both a terminal and public open space, it can accommodate larger vessels, is publicly owned and has the advantage of being close to major transport hubs (ferry and bus) and unlike many cities internationally, it’s in the heart of downtown Auckland – which passengers love.”

In June of this year, Mayor Len Brown announced his preference for Queens Wharf to become the primary Auckland cruise terminal location by 2012-2013 cruise season. He said it was a key priority in making the city a true visitor destination.

Waterfront Auckland’s Chairman Bob Harvey says the delivery of a cruise terminal on Queens Wharf with optimum infrastructure is an important way of harnessing the potential returns to the region of the cruise ship industry.

“For Auckland to gain maximum economic benefits from cruise it needs to also become more ‘cruise friendly’ and invest in both port-side and land-side infrastructure. A cruise terminal is only the beginning.”

Expressions of Interest close on 15 November, 2011. Four consultants will then be shortlisted and asked to prepare a tender for proposal to provide architectural services. The tenders will then be considered by a Technical Advisory Group and Design Panel before undergoing the usual approval process.