Park building up to the final whistle

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

RISING UP: A view of Eden Park’s partially completed east and south stands, which replaces the terraces.

Eden Park's $240 million make-over remains on target for an October completion date.

More than 560 workers are on site six days a week in order to ensure the park is fully operational before the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

That number is expected to rise to more than 600 workers in the coming weeks.

They’re installing wiring, plumbing, stoves, toilet cubicles and many other essentials in the new south stand and adding a second tier to the east stand, which replaces the terraces.

Construction has also begun on the western concourse, connecting the ASB and south stands.

It means patrons will be able to access Eden Park from a variety of entrances.

Some of the finer details around the wider complex are starting to take shape, such as the building of planter boxes for trees that line a new road leading into the stadium.

It is capable of carrying coaches under the south stand and on to the field itself.

Eden Park Trust Board chairman John Waller says he’s pleased with how the redevelopment is progressing.

"Every week that goes past, it gets closer to the date we start testing for the world cup."

Mr Waller was reluctant to discuss how the board plans to raise a $12m shortfall in funding for the redevelopment, other than to say the board is looking at a variety of sponsorship and grant opportunities.

After a break of several months, sport returns to Eden Park next month with two Black Caps one-day cricket matches and a Blues Super 14 rugby game.

- © Fairfax NZ News