At the February Business Meeting, Maungakiekie Tāmaki Local Board were presented with a Waikaraka Park Grandstand Report.
The board agreed to approve the recommendation to lodge a resource consent seeking demolition of the grandstand structure, and erection of temporary seating of up to 3000 seats and four toilet blocks around the speedway track.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board first resolved to demolish the Waikaraka Park grandstand in 2016, but the decision was not actioned due to heritage values associated with the existing structure.
However, the subsequent investigation found Waikaraka Park suited to accommodate a joint facility which could open opportunities further down the track
“This decision will allow for the grounds to be fit for purpose, temporarily, which means the park can be used until physical works can be investigated further,” says Chris Makoare, Chair of Maungakiekie Tamaki Local board.
“This has been a complicated matter to negotiate but am hopeful that a long-term use for the park can be found.”Waikaraka Park has been the home to speedway and stock car racing since the 1960s.
The heritage listed 1938 reinforced concrete grandstand is considered a ‘derelict asset’ and was closed in September 2014 after the grandstand was found to be structurally unsound, at seismic risk and did not meet minimum New Zealand standards.
