Plan to ease traffic congestion for big events at QBE Stadium

Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) is hoping to end traffic issues at QBE Stadium in Albany with the development of a bus interchange hub to help ease congestion.

Stadium Management Director Paul Nisbet recently told the Upper Harbour Local Board that RFA is identifying land from around the stadium to utilise, stating “we're working through the overall information to get the okay and taking into account the most ideal place for a bus interchange."

The opening march of the FIFA Under 20 World Cup at the Stadium in May caused heavy traffic congestion, with people arriving halfway through the game as a result.

However, Upper Harbour Local Board Chairwoman Lisa Whyte believes fans need to stop arriving at the Stadium so close to kick off time, stating “when I go to the Australian Open in Melbourne, people are making their way to the stadium hours before the event starts.

“The mindset needs to change over here.

"We need to work hand in hand with events and set the expectation”

Whyte said transport and parking options needed to be better publicised for events so people knew where to park and catch the bus.

Warriors still unhappy over RFA stadium plan
Meanwhile the New Zealand Warriors have threatened to leave Auckland if the RFA presses ahead with their plan that would see the NRL side forced to play away from Mount Smart Stadium.

Released last year, the Council’s controversial long-term plan for Auckland sport stadiums would force the club to leave Mt Smart Stadium - its home of 20 years  - for QBE Stadium and Eden Park.

The Penrose ground would become a speedway venue while Western Springs turned into a cricket ground.

The Warriors are opposed to the $30 million plan, with Managing Director Jim Doyle recently stating “we have made it clear through our own submission to the Council in March and also in our letter sent to all councillors that the proposal to move us out of Mount Smart Stadium makes no sense at all.

"If the matter of our long-term future at Mount Smart isn't resolved satisfactorily we would have no option but to consider venues outside Auckland.”

Doyle says the Warriors will not be forced to leave Mt Smart Stadium prior to the end of its current lease which expires at the end of 2018. 

Image shows the QBE Stadium on Auckland's North Shore.

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