Western Springs Stadium - an important venue in Auckland's stadium network.
Auckland Council today endorsed the development of Western Springs Stadium as a ‘Western Springs Bowl’, building on the natural amphitheatre of this iconic Auckland venue, established in 1929.
The decision includes an investment of up to $2.5 million by venue owner Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) to enhance the venue for concerts and festivals, and create a boutique sports stadium, alongside continued community use and a lease extension to Ponsonby Rugby Club.
Mayor Wayne Brown said, "The Western Springs Bowl proposal is designed to meet a recognised gap in the market and I am really looking forward to more events like Rüfüs Du Sol and the Laneway Festival coming here and to Auckland, both of which delivered a $10 million boost to the Auckland economy.
"This makes the most of our key assets. This is a practical and affordable way to keep the event-related benefits of the original proposal and retain Ponsonby Rugby Club.
“We have also been clear on our commitment and ongoing support of the consolidation of all speedway classes at Waikaraka Park.”
Western Springs Stadium is an important regional venue, and today’s decision concludes the expression of interest process carried out by TAU.
TAU Chief Executive Nick Hill is pleased with the decision reached by the council.
“We are pleased to have reached a positive conclusion to this expression of interest process and are confident that the new Western Springs Bowl concept will make a huge impact culturally and economically for Auckland.
“The refinements made to the original Bowl concept reflect feedback from the public and input from local boards, meaning we are now able to deliver a low-cost, flexible model that retains Ponsonby Rugby Club and community access.
"TAU's $2.5m investment will cost-effectively transform the facility into a venue that complements Auckland’s stadium network, putting us in a stronger position to attract world-class concert content.
“We would like to thank the council’s Governing Body for its support of this process and are looking forward to working with our partners to deliver this new vision for Auckland ahead of next summer's concert season,” said Mr Hill.
TAU will install semi-permanent staging and target festivals and concerts for up to 30,000 people at general admission events, as well as an upgraded broadcast quality sports configuration, for events with up to 5000 fans.
The Western Springs Bowl concept builds on the proposal consulted on in 2025 and aligns with council’s Stadium Network Investment Objectives. It also plays to Auckland’s proud position as a UNESCO City of Music.
The flexible-use model aims to improve use of the venue, address a gap in Auckland’s stadium network for mid-sized events, and is projected by TAU to improve financial performance over time through its increased activity.
This decision also includes a five-year lease extension for Ponsonby Rugby Club.
The council’s Governing Body voted 15:6 in support of today’s recommendation.
The council, with support from TAU, will continue to work with speedway stakeholders to improve the operation of the consolidated speedway model at Waikaraka Park to realise the aspiration of a sustainable, high-quality motorsport venue for Auckland.
TAU will continue to own and operate the Western Springs Stadium venue.
Relevant reading
Preferred option for future use of Western Springs Stadium – Auckland Council Governing Body report
Media release: Western Springs Stadium nears a final decision (6 March 2026)