Peace has broken out among Auckland and central government politicians, with agreement today on plans for ‘party central’ to be built on Queens Wharf.

The ARC and Government's plan for Queens Wharf as an RWC 2011 fan zone includes retention of Shed 10 and a temporary 'cloud' structure to house revellers during the cup competition..

Under the agreement Shed 11 will be dismantled and moved off-site, and the "cloud" building located in its place on the western side of the wharf.

Shed 10 will be retained, with some work undertaken to ensure that it is safe, secure and visually in keeping with the fan zone for next year's Rugby World Cup. This work will respect the heritage values of the shed, according to the ARC chairman Mike Lee, and Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully.

“After a long and sometimes difficult debate, I am very pleased that the ARC and the Government have reached a robust and sustainable agreement on the development of Queens Wharf,” said Mr Lee, chairman of the ARC, speaking from China where he has been on holiday.

"We have reached a pragmatic and creative solution that delivers an outstanding harbourside fan zone for Rugby World Cup, embraces the wharf's heritage and preserves the broadest possible options and legacy for the future.

"Aucklanders tend to debate the development of their city so passionately that it can sometimes be bewildering and indeed exasperating, especially for the rest of the country. Once again, we have tackled a complex city development issue and forged a robust solution," he said.

“But the clock is ticking. The time for talking is over, now the work begins. Delivery for Rugby World Cup can now proceed in earnest. We will be doing everything we can to help the Government produce an outstanding and memorable experience for all."

The ARC purchased Queens Wharf to provide a permanent cruise ship terminal and public open space and Mike Lee says today’s agreement means that after Rugby World Cup the new Auckland Council and its Waterfront Development Agency will be able to make considered decisions on how to achieve these long-term objectives within a vision for Auckland and the whole of the waterfront," Mr Lee said.

(Photographs courtesy of the ARC).