Backers walk away from planned boutique stadium at Auckland's Western Springs

Plans to build a new multi-purpose football stadium at the Western Springs speedway venue, one of a four options being considered by Auckland Council for site, appear to have been abandoned with backers withdrawing their proposal.

Dubbed the Auckland Arena, the venue was to have been privately funded by entrepreneur Anna Mowbray and her husband, former All Black, Ali Williams. Auckland FC owner Bill Foley was another investor alongside NBA player Steven Adams.

Proposed as a new home for the Auckland FC A-League club, the facility would have had basketball courts and wellness facilities.

Among four options being considered for the site by Auckland Council - others were making it an amphitheatre for concerts, exploring other ideas or keeping the status quo - it was considered the best option for the site according to an analysis of the public consultation process published by Auckland Council’s economic development agency Tataki Auckland Unlimited this week.

Speaking with Radio New Zealand, Tataki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill said the Auckland Arena proposal was the favourite.

Hill noted “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.”

Tataki Auckland Unlimited was set to address the council on 31st July, where it would have recommended Auckland Arena.

Instead, the recommendation will be pushed back beyond the upcoming local election in October.

Hill noted “Western Springs Stadium is a 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.”

The consultation, which ran from 19th May to 15th June, drew 14,894 submissions, revealing “a wide range of views, with no clear majority for any one option.”

Auckland Council said 33% submissions indicated a preference for the option to explore other ideas.

The Western Springs Bowl amphitheatre concept received 30% of the support while 21% preferred the Auckland Arena.

Click here to view the full Auckland Council report.

Image: A render of the proposed Auckland FC home ground at Western Springs.