News that Colin Dale Park is earmarked to become the future home of Speedway for Auckland has the potential to provide an economic and employment boost in the south says Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Lotu Fuli.
Auckland Council, Regional Facilities Auckland and Speedway Promotions Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding to secure a long-term lease on the park for Speedway once its lease at Western Springs runs out on March 2019. This also involves exploring funding options for the development and construction of a speedway track and facilities at the Colin Dale Park.
“We have been advocating for this site to become a regional park for many years and it was the top priority project we put forward to the Governing Body to consider as part of discussions on the 10-year Budget this year,” says Lotu Fuli.
"I am glad Speedway and Regional Facilities Auckland have recognised the potential of the park. It’s a great win for our board area and would bring more jobs, tourism opportunities and greater economic development and is more reason to make sure rail access from Puhinui to the airport is developed.
"With that, you would have a premier sports facility close to the airport with great access and away from residential housing – it’s a win-win."
Decision frees up local board's budget for important projects
The board will be advocating to ensure planning for the Speedway looks after the current users of the park, neighbours, and mana whenua interests.
The decision will relieve the local board of future development and running costs at the park as well as the ongoing liability for the $2.8 million previously borrowed to develop the park.
"That will free up the budget so we can continue to fund other important projects in our community."
