Sky’s the limit

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An artist's impression of the proposed convention centre.

An artist’s impression of the proposed convention centre. Image: Supplied

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Plans to develop the convention centre in Auckland's CBD have been approved.

Plans to develop the convention centre in Auckland’s CBD have been approved. Image: Supplied

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Concept designs for SkyCity’s proposed international convention centre, to be developed in Auckland’s CBD, were approved on 13 August 2014. 

SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison says concept designs for the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) establish the breadth and complexity of what the building will offer. 

“Through a collaborative process with the Government, we now have an approved concept and vision that will inform our design team and enable them to produce a compelling and considered design for the NZICC ahead of lodging resource consent which is anticipated for the fourth quarter of 2014,” he says.

SkyCity group general manager New Zealand International Convention Centre Simon Jamieson has also outlined the key design details.

“The design includes flexible, innovative convention and exhibition space. Spread over four levels the facility will contain a public atrium entrance, multiple day meeting rooms and a dedicated multi-use plenary theatre able to accommodate 3000 people for convention and entertainment events. The exhibition floor will be the size of Eden Park’s rugby pitch with a 9-metre-high stud and the ability to accommodate two Dreamliner 787 aeroplanes side by side,” says Mr Jamieson.

With a total gross floor area of 85,000 m², the NZICC will be the biggest building project undertaken in Auckland since 1997 when the Sky Tower was constructed. 

Design Lead and Warren & Mahoney’s Chairman, Andrew Barclay says “the New Zealand Convention Centre will be the venue in which our country hosts the world. It is designed to reflect the character of our country and people – the shared qualities of an open and dynamic culture, of dramatic landscape, of deep textures and innovative technologies. Essentially this building, more than most others, has the responsibility to present the New Zealand experience.”

Following on from the initial key appointment of the collaborative architectural team in February this year, the full project team has now been announced: 

  • Design leader: Warren & Mahoney
  • Project management: Beca Project Management
  • Urban design: Boffa Miskel of Design Rachel de Lambert
  • Structural, civil and geotechnical engineering: Beca
  • Town planning - Karl Cook of Barker & Associates

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