Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Funded by a $4.7 million government grant announced last year, stage two of the showgrounds redevelopment centred on the construction of a new 6000 square metre pavilion space.

Added to the earlier completion of a new hub including food courts, functions rooms, wine bar, entry and registration areas, and extensions to two exhibition halls, the new pavilion increases the Showgrounds’ exhibition space by 50% to a total of 18,000sq m.

With much improved functionality and flexibility, the 18,000sq m exhibition space can now be opened into one large area, catering for larger events, or closed off into smaller areas for multiple events to be held at one time such as seated dinners for up to 5000 people. 

Prime Minister Helen Clark said the completed redevelopment would see the ASB Showgrounds transformed into a world-class, multi-dimensional facility, capable of attracting international events well into the twenty first century.

“This redevelopment is significant for the Auckland region and New Zealand. It is a wonderful asset for the people of the wider region and for the diverse cross section of Auckland’s commercial, ethnic, and community groupings for which it caters.”

Exhibition space has expanded 50% and can now be used for a single large event or divided for multiple events held at the same time.

ASB Showgrounds CEO Mark Frankham thanked the government for its support and funding, along with that of other cornerstone funders, naming rights partner ASB, ASB Trust and Auckland City Council.

“This redevelopment will enable the ASB Showgrounds to retain its position as New Zealand’s premier exhibition centre, compete with other leading venues on the world stage and attract world-class international exhibitions, shows and events,” Mr Frankham said. 

“It will help us retain existing exhibitions and events by keeping pace with our clients’ needs and exceeding expectations. And it will allow us to provide improved facilities to community and charitable organisations that use our facilities for educational and vocational purposes. 

“The redevelopment will also deliver significant economic benefits to Auckland and beyond, by increasing the number of local and international exhibitors and visitors attending events at the Showgrounds.”

Prime Minister Helen Clark opens stage two of the $29 million centre.

In 2007, the ASB Showgrounds hosted more than 140 exhibitions and shows and 1.3 million people, with significant growth seen in corporate events.  By 2011 the facility’s contribution to the local economy is expected to be around $110 million a year, almost double that of the facilities prior to redevelopment.

The final stage of the project, which began in late May, is due for completion later this year. Funded by ASB Trust, it involves the extension of the new colonnade to the Logan Campbell Centre, along with a new frontage, foyer and vehicle dock for the Logan Campbell Centre.

The government’s $4.7 million grant was made available through its Significant Community Based Projects Fund, announced in the 2005 budget to address funding issues faced by a growing number of large and important community projects. The fund is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Support for the redevelopment comes from numerous parties including Cornwall Park Trust, DMG – Australasia’s largest trade show organisers, the Auckland Regional Council, the Employers and Manufacturing Association, Chamber of Commerce and numerous ethnic and community users.  The total cost is $29 million.