The Cloud, Auckland

The Cloud is a multi-purpose event venue located on Queen's Wharf on the Auckland waterfront, in Auckland, New Zealand. Built as one of the centrepieces of the hospitality and 'party zone' facilities for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, it can host up to 6,000 people, and was to originally cost $7.9 million. It was designed by Jasmax and built by Fletcher Construction.[1]

The Cloud viewed from the Devonport Ferry with Auckland CBD in the background
The Cloud viewed from the west

The venue's location and construction was at times controversial, being nicknamed 'The Slug' by opponents,[2] and for intending to displace two historical storage warehouses that were considered worth saving by heritage campaigners. In the compromise solution, rather than demolishing both sheds, one was saved and will be retained as a separate venue space directly next to The Cloud.

The work around The Cloud (construction $9.8 million) and Shed 10 (repairs for around $4 million) also included structural repairs to the wharf's piling, as well as significant installation of new services, including power and data cabling, water and wastewater lines, with most of the utilities fastened to the underside of the wharf.[3]

An evaluation report by Nielsen for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise said, "showcases at the Cloud on Queens Wharf changed international visitors' impressions of the country, convincing them that New Zealand could be innovative."[4]

As of late 2012, the consensus is that the building will remain on the wharf at least for the medium term, used as an event venue.[5]

Rugby World Cups

Auckland Regional Council has held this multifunction building as a party central for many events including the Rugby World Cup. In 2015, Auckland mayor Len Brown decided to show the final between New Zealand and Australia at the complex, as they decided that there are many cafes, restaurants and bars there for use of the public, as well as watching from the comfort of your own television.

References
  1. "Auckland becomes city of the long white cloud". The New Zealand Herald. 9 August 2011. p. D6.
  2. Rudman, Brian (11 July 2011). "Financial trail of needless Slug will lead back to ratepayers". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  3. "Under a Cloud". The Aucklander. 18 August 2011. p. 3.
  4. Dickison, Michael (2011). "Cloud on Queens Wharf prompts rethink on NZ". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 12 December 2011. But a Nielsen report written for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise says showcases at the Cloud on Queens Wharf changed international visitors' impressions of the country, convincing them that New Zealand could be innovative.
  5. "The Cloud set to stay on Queens Wharf site". The New Zealand Herald. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.

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