Western Springs Stadium options mulled

Image: Aukland Arena

Auckland Council in New Zealand is consulting the public on three options for the future use of Western Springs Stadium before making a final recommendation later this year.

RNZ said an expression of interest (EOI) process was carried out by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), which owns and operates Western Springs Stadium with funding from Auckland Council.

Until now, the stadium has been primarily used for rugby union matches and speedway racing. Last year, the council made the controversial decision to move speedway to Onehunga’s Waikaraka Park after 100 years at Western Springs.

Max Hardy, Director of Group Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office, says Western Springs Stadium is a valued venue with a long history in Auckland.

He 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.”

Option one is to create Auckland Arena – a multi-purpose sports and entertainment precinct centred on a football-focused 12,500-seat stadium (25,000+ capacity for concerts), including high-performance facilities, 8 indoor basketball courts, 4 padel courts and related commercial activity (hospitality and sports/health-related services).

TAU said its preference was for the venue to become a permanent home for Auckland Football Club.

Auckland FC owners, including billionaire Anna Mowbray and her former All Black husband Ali Williams, have proposed investing $300 million into re-developing the stadium into a 12,500-seat sports and entertainment precinct.

The second option, backed by CRS Records and Eccles Entertainment, is for Western Springs Bowl – multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities including permanent music/festival infrastructure (50,000 capacity), a broadcast-capable boutique stadium (5000+ seats) and a multisport community hub.

The third option is to do nothing or explore other ideas – under this option, TAU could retain existing arrangements with Ponsonby Rugby Club, whose lease runs until 2027, or explore other ideas for the venue.

Consultation will run from 19 May until 15 June 2025.

Following consultation, the findings will be presented to the council’s Governing Body. A recommendation will then be provided to the TAU board and TAU will make the final decision, as the venue owner and operator.

Any future redevelopment would remain subject to detailed due diligence, business case preparation, and commercial negotiations, Auckland Council said.

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