Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Auckland-The Stadium Debate

I wish to have my 5c worth of say in this debate.
It will be good to have a new stadium at the waterfront, provided the design is good and represents New Zealand in a special way and can be showcased as a good tourist attraction like the Sydney Opera House. This may revive the CBD and draw more conventions, games and international events to Auckand and benefit New Zealand.
The Auckland City Council and the ARC should come clean with a firm estimate and the government should underwrite cost over-runs. There should be a clear guarantee that the Auckland rate payers won't have to pay anything towards this.
The Eden Park may be converted to a school and may be leased to Auckland Grammar School to start a branch there. New students enrolling there should pay a one-time enrollment fee of say $3000 each and an annual fee of $1000 to pay for the new Waterfront stadium and its maintainence.
This way it is a win-win for everyone, Auckland Grammar gets a brand new school and the pressure on the old school goes, the property prices will go up in CBD and the scholl areas and new entrants will pay their way and the Public will get a brand new school and stadium paid for by people who can afford it.
How about it? Any takers?

No comments: