Auckland Arena Withdraws from Western Springs Stadium Project

Auckland FC’s wealthy investors have officially withdrawn their proposal to develop a new sports arena at Western Springs Stadium, ending months of speculation and debate over the future of the iconic site.

The decision comes after the proposed Auckland Arena had been endorsed as the preferred option by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the city’s economic development agency. However, the investors cited the complexities and extended timelines of the project as reasons for their withdrawal.

A spokesperson for the investors stated, “After considerable effort and reflection, those behind Auckland Arena have made the difficult decision to withdraw our proposal for Western Springs. This decision does not reflect a lack of capability or commitment. We have a proven track record delivering complex, world-class venues in partnership with cities around the world, like the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Our aim was to bring that expertise home.”

The proposed stadium, backed by prominent figures including businesswoman Anna Mowbray, former All Black Ali Williams, American businessman Bill Foley, and Kiwi NBA star Steven Adams, was intended to be a 12,500-seat rectangular stadium with an outer bowl accommodating up to 25,000 spectators for concerts. The project was estimated to cost between $200 million and $300 million, with the promise that ratepayers would not be asked to contribute to construction costs.

The spokesperson added, “We wanted to create a privately funded complex that would serve Auckland by providing a venue that supported cultural life, helped to fill sporting and medical facility shortages, and provided a hub for our local community. However, despite our deep commitment and experience, the process of delivering such a project on public land in Auckland has presented unique challenges. With the extended timelines and complexities, we have regretfully withdrawn our proposal.”

TAU confirmed that it had been informed of the withdrawal and stated that it would now need time to consider next steps for the site. The agency had previously recommended the Auckland Arena proposal as its preferred option following an evaluation of the expression of interest (EOI) process.

The withdrawn proposal faced competition from a joint bid by Ponsonby Rugby Club and music promoter CRS Records. That group sought to extend its current occupancy and expand operations to other sports, while enabling the venue to host 50,000-capacity concerts through redevelopment. The bid required $30 million in private investment and a request for ratepayer funding of $18 million to $20 million.

Auckland councillors had approved public consultation on the two proposals, along with a third option to maintain the status quo or explore other ideas, following the council’s decision to move the speedway from Western Springs to Waikaraka Park in October 2024. Public consultation on the three options closed on June 15, with feedback due to be released for the TAU board to adopt or confirm a preferred option this month.

Greg Edmonds, chairman of Ponsonby Rugby Club, expressed his belief that the Auckland Arena proposal was not the best option and had significant commercial challenges. He stated, “But we also thought it had severe commercial challenges that would be a big risk for council to push the button on.”

TAU chief executive Nick Hill said, “We were disappointed to hear of the withdrawal of the Auckland Arena proposal. The EOI evaluation panel and our board had deemed it to be the most positive solution for Auckland and now we will need time to consider a new recommendation for the stadium. Western Springs Stadium is an historic and valued asset with huge potential. We need to consider the public consultation feedback before deciding next steps. We are committed to making a recommendation that will deliver positive outcomes and provide certainty for Aucklanders.”

With the withdrawal of the Auckland Arena, the focus now shifts to the remaining proposals and the potential for a new direction for Western Springs Stadium. The governing body’s agenda had included a list of possible risks, but the senior officers who prepared the report did not include either of the parties pulling out.

The late withdrawal of the Auckland Arena is the latest setback in Auckland’s ongoing efforts to secure a sustainable stadium solution. It follows the council’s decision in March to endorse the privately-owned Eden Park as the city’s “main stadium” with a staged redevelopment.

As the process moves forward, the public consultation feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Western Springs Stadium. The governing body will now need to consider the remaining options and determine the best path forward for this historic and valuable asset.