IT'S A KEEPER: The Cloud could be a permanent fixture in Auckland if authorities agree on how it is run.
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The Cloud will stay on Queens Wharf if Auckland Council can reach an agreement with Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully.
The venue, which costs almost $500,000 a year to run, hosted VIPs, international media and thousands of rugby fans during the Rugby World Cup but after the tournament the $9.8 million temporary structure has struggled to attract bookings and has been sitting largely unused.
The council signalled to the Government earlier this month that it would like to own and run The Cloud and is now waiting to hear back from McCully.
A council spokesman said no decisions had been made and depending on discussions with McCully, a proposal would be put to councillors in August or September.
"At this stage we have yet to work through an agreement with Government and no final decision has been taken. Details such as who will own or run The Cloud have also yet to be worked through and confirmed," he said.
"Events at The Cloud during Rugby World Cup demonstrated it has the potential to be a major drawcard. The council is keen to explore how it can be activated for broader community use and help reconnect the city with its waterfront.
"A regenerated waterfront will be a major driver of Auckland's future economy. The Cloud could play an important part in activating Queen's Wharf as a new public space within the key CBD waterfront interface."
The spokesman said the council needed to work through plans for the $14.6m cruise ship terminal on Queens Wharf before it could focus on The Cloud's future.
Since December The Cloud has hosted 29 events and had 40,000 visitors. Events have included several public, private and corporate events including festivals, expos, product launches and weddings, the spokesman said.
This month the 2 Degrees Super 12 Kapa Haka competitions and market day Matariki celebrations attracted 3,000 people.
The venue has 21 confirmed future bookings and 33 expressions of interest.
When The Cloud was unveiled critics labelled the undulating white structure "The Slug" and heritage lobbyists argued the historic Shed 11 shouldn't have been demolished to make way for it.
It opened to the public on September 6 - three days before the Rugby World Cup kicked off.
The 180m venue, constructed of steel frame and fabric covering, can be divided into four to host multiple events and hold up to 6000 people.
- © Fairfax NZ News
