Auckland Council to undertake public consultation on future use of Western Springs Stadium

Auckland Council is to consult the public on plans for the future of the Western Springs Stadium, which include a proposal for a multi-purpose precinct centred on a 12,500-seat stadium.

Three options for the future use of Western Springs Stadium will go out to public consultation this month, before the Council makes a final recommendation later this year.

Auckland Council’s Governing Body agreed to invite Aucklanders to give their feedback on the future use of Western Springs Stadium before determining a preferred direction.

The first option, referred to as Auckland Arena, will feature a football stadium that could be used by A-League club Auckland FC. The 12,500-seat stadium would be expanded up to a capacity of more than 25,000 for concerts.

The wider precinct would also include high-performance facilities, eight indoor basketball courts, four padel courts and related commercial activity. Auckland Council said this option would be funded by private investment, initially projected at $200 million with no initial costs for ratepayers.

The second option, known as Western Springs Bowl, would see the venue transformed into a multi-purpose sports and entertainment precinct with facilities including permanent music and festival infrastructure, a broadcast-capable ‘boutique’ stadium with 5,000-plus seats and a multi-sport community hub.

This would be funded by a mix of private investment ($30 million) and ratepayer funding ($18 to $20 million initially), as well as long-term discounted and/or community leases.

A third option would see Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), which owns and operates the venue retaining existing arrangements with Ponsonby Rugby Club, whose lease runs until 2027, while potentially exploring other ideas for the stadium.

Max Hardy, Auckland Council Director of Group Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office, says Western Springs Stadium is a valued venue with a long history in Auckland, commenting “Western Springs has served as an important venue for sports, large-scale outdoor festivals and concerts.

“Through this process, we are seeking Aucklanders’ views on the future opportunities for the site and how it could continue to contribute to the city’s sports, entertainment, and community life.

“We encourage people to consider the options and tell us what they think.”

This follows an expression of interest (EOI) process carried out by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), which owns and operates Western Springs Stadium with funding from Auckland Council.

Following consultation, the findings will be presented to the Council’s Governing Body.

A recommendation will then be provided to the TAU board and TAU will make the final decision, as the venue owner and operator.

Input on the future use of Western Springs Stadium is invited from 19th May until 15th June 2025.

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Images: Western Spring Stadium from the air (top) and the proposed boutique stadium at the venue (below).