Aucklanders have greater clarity on the steps to take towards a connected stadium network for the region after today’s Governing Body.
At its meeting on Thursday, the Governing Body considered two feasibility studies on potential stadium options, put forward by external parties, before it endorsed in principle a staged redevelopment of Eden Park, noting the council has no plans to provide ratepayer funding for it.
A report prepared for the council by officials, reviewed the feasibility studies from Eden Park Trust and Te Tōangaroa/Quay Park Consortium.
Councillors recommended Eden Park as the most feasible option for Auckland’s main stadium, alongside a proposal to adopt a new Auckland Regional Stadium Investment Framework to guide how the region invests $150 million (operating and maintenance costs) in the existing stadium network.
“We got a heap of new main stadium ideas in 2023, so I asked for a proper look at what was feasible, which led to a more structured approach for evaluating the relative merits of these big assets,” says Mayor Brown.
Following an expression of interest process in 2024, two main stadium proposals were selected to progress to a feasibility study stage. Staff reviewed both feasibility studies and while both had merits, neither had established that they were feasible without public funding. Eden Park’s option was the considered to be the most likely to be feasilble.
The two stadium options were proposed by the Eden Park Trust Board and Te Tōangaroa/ Quay Park consortium. Each group funded and developed their studies to show how they would deliver their respective concepts.
“After a close look at both options, the most viable way forward was to proceed with a staged redevelopment of Eden Park to serve as Auckland’s main stadium,” says Mayor Brown.
“However, I was clear this option won’t be funded by the ratepayer and is contingent on Eden Park Trust, the owners of Eden Park, funding a business case and working with council staff to provide the best public value for Aucklanders.
“I want to thank the teams behind both proposals for the work they put in at their own cost and taking part in this important process, as well as the Stadiums Working Group, chaired by Councillor (Shane) Henderson.”
The Governing Body was also asked to adopt the Auckland Regional Stadium Investment Objectives and approve a work programme to develop the corresponding Investment Plan, which will detail how the council and its partners invest in the wider network of stadiums in the region.
Auckland is home to four large stadiums and several smaller venues. The council, in partnership with stadium operator Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, is working to improve coordination and avoid duplication through a clear, region-wide strategy.
The Stadium Investment Framework aims to position Auckland to attract and host world-class events.
“We need to be able to respond to event opportunities that come our way – whether that’s sport, music, or culture,” says Mayor Brown.
“As a result of this work, we’ll move ahead with an investment framework that ensures future decisions across the stadium network are coordinated, strategic and works for Aucklanders, We expect to be in a much stronger position as a result.”
The next steps involve working with key stakeholders including central government, to implement the framework, advance the regional investment plan, and shape future stadium infrastructure in Tāmaki Makaurau.
