Auckland Council has voted to consult the public on two proposals for the redevelopment of Western Springs Stadium, with one of the options calling for a multi-purpose precinct that would be anchored by a 12,500-seat stadium.
The first option, dubbed Auckland Arena (pictured), will feature a football stadium that could be used by A-League franchise Auckland FC. The 12,500-seat stadium would be expanded up to a capacity of more than 25,000 for concerts.
The wider precinct would also include high-performance facilities, eight indoor basketball courts, four padel courts and related commercial activity. Auckland Council said this option would be funded by private investment, initially projected at NZ$200m (£89m/€105m/$119m) to NZ$300m. There would be no upfront or ongoing costs to the taxpayer.
The second option, known as Western Springs Bowl, calls for the stadium to be transformed into multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities, including permanent music and festival infrastructure, a broadcast-capable “boutique” stadium with 5,000-plus seats, and a multi-sport community hub.
This would be funded by a mix of private investment (NZ$30m) and taxpayer funding (NZ$18m to NZ$20m upfront investment and ongoing operational and capital costs), as well as long-term discounted and/or community leases.
There is also a third option to do nothing and explore other ideas for the stadium. Under this option, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), which owns and operates the stadium, could retain existing arrangements with Ponsonby Rugby Club, whose lease runs until 2027, or explore other ideas for the stadium.
Today’s (Thursday’s) announcement by the council comes after it emerged in October that the owners of Auckland FC were drawing up plans to transform Western Springs Stadium into a dedicated football venue. Auckland FC, which was established last year, is owned by US businessman Bill Foley and currently plays its home matches at Go Media Stadium.
TAU, which is controlled by the council, has said its preference is for Western Springs Stadium to become a new home for Auckland FC, whose ownership team also includes Ali Williams, a former rugby union player for the New Zealand national team, and his wife Anna Mowbray, a billionaire businesswoman.
The three options for the future use of Western Springs Stadium will go out to public consultation this month, before the council makes a final recommendation later in the year. Locals are invited to give their feedback on the plans, with consultation to run from May 19 until June 15.
Max Hardy, Auckland Council’s director of group strategy, said: “Western Springs has served as an important venue for sports, large-scale outdoor festivals and concerts. Through this process, we are seeking Aucklanders’ views on the future opportunities for the site and how it could continue to contribute to the city’s sports, entertainment, and community life. We encourage people to consider the options and tell us what they think.”
