Big screen to feature in Aotea Square

12 November 2009

Aotea Square is to mirror key event spaces across the world with the inclusion of a big screen in the redevelopment of the central city's premier open space.

A permanent big screen will be installed on the square-facing facade of the SKYCITY Metro building during the latter stages of the square's redevelopment, which is due to be completed in October next year.

Auckland City Council's Arts, Culture and Recreation committee yesterday approved the purchase of the big screen acknowledging the benefits in promoting major and community events, performing arts, public art and CBD activities.

Committee chair Cr Greg Moyle said the screen would bring Aotea Square in line with key event spaces across the world such as Melbourne's Federation Square and Manchester's Exchange Square.

"This will be a great asset for Aucklanders and will bring people together to experience a wide range of live screened events ranging from sporting events like Rugby World Cup 2011 to cultural events like Diwali."

During Rugby World Cup 2011, Aotea Square will be used as a key festival venue at the upper end of the city complementing the main fan zone (live site) planned for Queens Wharf.

"This is yet another example of Rugby World Cup being a catalyst for major developments in the city which bring about long-term benefits for all Aucklanders."

The preferred site for the screen, which will cost $1.65 million, was identified following structural, sightline and shading analysis.  The location allows a large number of people to gather within the square and still have visibility of the screen.

The $80 million redevelopment of Aotea Square involves repairing the civic car park roof, upgrading the square, alterations to the entrance of the Aotea Centre, and upgrading the civic car park.