Francesca Rudkin: A new Western Springs stadium is an exciting opportunity

Gee, we’ve gone stadium mad here in Auckland. We already have seven pretty substantial stadiums ranging from 4000-person capacity to 50,000, spread across the city from the North Shore to Mt Eden, Penrose to Manukau, not including other sporting and event spaces.  But we can’t stop suggesting we build more.    While we wait for Auckland’s Councilors to ponder feasibility studies done by Eden Park and the proposed new waterfront stadium in Quay Park and announce who will go on to win the title of Auckland’s main stadium – another stadium is being pitched, this time for Western Springs.    So, Western Springs Speedway has its final event on Saturday night —although we’ve heard that before— and now Auckland Council is interested in what to do with this valuable inner-city site.    This is a really exciting opportunity, especially after years of kafuffle around the speedway. Auckland might not need another entertainment or sporting venue, but they are really nice to have, especially when someone else is coughing up the money for them.    So, Auckland has to ask itself: what facilities do we need? What would the inner city benefit from, and can these new facilities be used by as many teams, and individuals as possible. Real estate this valuable needs to be well utilised, year-round.   That’s why I like the proposal from the team behind Auckland FC. The proposal for their new facility features a 12,500 seated stadium, covered basketball courts and padel courts. It’s championed and backed by NBA star Steven Adams, All Blacks rugby legend Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray of ZURU fame, and Billionaire football club owners Bill Foley and Bennett Rosenthal.    The group have targeted football, basketball and padel because they are the fastest-growing sports in the world but lack infrastructure in Auckland. They aren’t just meeting a community need, it would also be the home of Auckland FC, signalling this team is a long-term commitment. These are all good things.    I would observe things have gone pretty well at Go Media Stadium for Auckland FC this season, but maybe not everyone likes traveling to Penrose. Maybe it’s felt an inner-city location near hospo hubs will help sustain interest in the team.    According to those who have seen the proposal, this sporting facility would be built “at zero cost to the ratepayer”. The only downside is existing occupants Ponsonby Rugby Club would need to move – and they would need to be supported to do this.    There are two more proposals. The Ponsonby Rugby Club wants to turn it into a bigger venue, and an entertainment group wants to turn it into a multi-purpose entertainment and community sports venue, but we’re yet to hear details for these proposals.    In fact, there is a lot of information we’re yet see, but fingers crossed this process will move faster than the decision around the Speedway.    Whatever plans are presented, remember the locals are a vocal and determined lot. Win them over, and you might just have a chance.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.