Auckland FC Investors Withdraw Bid for New Stadium at Western Springs

Backers behind the bid said the decision was due to “unique challenges”.

Investors behind a bid to build a new stadium for Auckland FC have decided to withdraw their proposal. The plan involved constructing a 12,500-seat stadium at Western Springs, a historic venue in Auckland. The backers, including prominent figures such as Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams, had envisioned a multi-purpose facility that would serve as a home ground for the football team and also host concerts and other events.

The decision to pull out was described as “difficult” by the investors, who cited “unique challenges” as the primary reason. In a statement, they emphasized that the withdrawal was not due to a lack of capability or commitment but rather the complexities involved in developing the project on public land in Auckland.

“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,” the investors stated. “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 With the extended timelines and complexities, we have regretfully withdrawn our proposal.”

The news of the withdrawal comes after Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) had previously revealed that the Auckland FC bid was their preferred option for the stadium following an assessment by an evaluation panel. The consultation process saw nearly 15,000 submissions, with no clear majority for any one option. Thirty-three percent of individual submitters indicated a preference for exploring other ideas, 30% favored the Western Springs Bowl proposal, 21% preferred the Auckland Arena proposal, and 16% preferred to keep things as they are.

In a statement, TAU Chief Executive Nick Hill expressed disappointment at the news and stated that they now need time to consider the next steps for the future use of Western Springs. “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,” he said.

TAU had initiated an expressions of interest process in 2024 for the future use of the venue, which attracted multiple bids. Other proposals included a joint project from Ponsonby Rugby Club and music promoter CRS Records to build a new 50,000-capacity venue that would allow the rugby club to stay and large-scale concerts to continue to be held there.

TAU has decided not to provide a recommendation on the stadium’s future to Auckland Council's Governing Body at its July 31 meeting. Instead, they will seek to develop advice consistent with Auckland Council’s stadium investment principles for consideration by elected members following this year’s local government elections.

Western Springs Stadium, which opened in 1929, has hosted speedway, rugby, and concerts for nearly 100 years. Its future remains uncertain as TAU and the council work to determine the best path forward for the iconic venue.