Shed 10

This is Shed 10, possibly the most controversial building in New Zealand at this time. It is in a state of bad disrepair and doesn’t particularly have much going for it aesthetically.

The Auckland Council recently voted to retain the building and restore it at a cost of $17.4 million. The national government’s idea is that along with a temporary structure built next to it, this will become “Party Central” during next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Opponents say that this is not going to be an attractive proposition to revellers wanting a venue for celebrating during the event. I can see their point. Auckland in October – the second month of spring – isn’t the best place in the world for warm, settled weather and at the moment, this building is as draughty as they come, and built on Queens Wharf in the Waitemata Harbour with little to protect it from the strong winds that are common at that time of year.

I will watch with interest to see whether then $17.4 million is well spent, or provides us with an expensive white elephant similar to London’s Millennium Dome.