12,500 Stadium Proposal put forward to replace iconic Western Springs Speedway

Auckland FC has unveiled ambitious plans for a new 12,500-seat stadium at Western Springs, aiming to establish a dedicated home for football in the city. At this stage, this proposal is just that—a proposal. Nothing is confirmed. The fight to keep Western Springs Speedway at its home is still alive and well.

The proposal led by Williams and Adams also has the support of entrepreneur Anna Mowbray and American billionaires Bill Foley and Bennett Rosenthal.

A consortium of notable figures, including NBA star Steven Adams and former All-Black Ali Williams, backs the proposal presented to Auckland Council.

The group’s proposal, seen by Stuff, says they will build this “at zero cost to the ratepayer.”

The proposed development would involve a comprehensive transformation of the existing Western Springs Stadium, currently a versatile venue hosting rugby, speedway events, and major concerts. The new design envisions a state-of-the-art football facility, complemented by futsal and indoor basketball courts, and enhanced connectivity to the surrounding Western Springs parkland and zoo.

This initiative is part of Auckland FC’s broader strategy to solidify its presence in the A-League. The club, which played its inaugural A-League Men’s match on October 19, 2024, at Go Media Stadium (Mount Smart Stadium), has been exploring options for a permanent home ground. The Western Springs project represents a significant step towards that goal, reflecting the club’s commitment to fostering football culture in Auckland.

The redevelopment plans also impact current tenants. Ponsonby Rugby Club and Western Springs Speedway, both with long histories at the venue, may need to relocate. Discussions are ongoing to find suitable alternatives. Cox’s Bay Reserve and Waikaraka Park are set to be the new homes for the two current tenants.

Construction is already beginning at Waikaraka Park to upgrade the venue and accommodate the expected increase in racing, with the two speedways being forcibly merged.

The Speedway, a fixture since 1929, is set to host its ‘final meeting’ on March 22, 2025, following the council’s decision to consolidate racing activities at Waikaraka Park.

This move has been met with strong opposition and controversy, including allegations of misrepresentation and ongoing investigations by the Serious Fraud Office. Save our Speedway campaigners are still fighting a good fight with a protest march scheduled for this Saturday before the final meeting.

The legal fight against TAU and Auckland Council’s decision to close Western Springs Speedway continues and will continue for some time. Although Western Springs Speedway Promoters and others call this weekend’s meeting the “final event,” it’s far from over.

Pending approval of the 12,500-capacity stadium and broader grounds, construction could commence at the end of 2025, aligning with the expiration of current leases. This timeline underscores the project’s readiness to proceed, contingent on final stakeholder and community endorsements.

Following Stuff’s disclosure of additional details about their proposal, the Auckland Council entity overseeing Western Springs Stadium confirmed the information and unveiled two competing bids for the site.

The stadium, located less than 5km from central Auckland and adjacent to the Northwestern Motorway, has drawn significant interest.

Tātaki Auckland stated that Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and councillors were briefed on three proposals in a confidential workshop last week. These proposals emerged from a formal expression of interest process, which remains subject to commercial confidentiality.

One proposal comes from CRS Records Limited, which aims to privately fund the site’s transformation into a premier venue for live entertainment, concerts, and festivals. The plan also includes provisions for cultural events and community sports.

CRS is primarily owned by Campbell Smith, a prominent figure in the music industry who manages and promotes major acts and events.

Meanwhile, the Ponsonby Rugby Club, which currently operates at Western Springs Stadium, has proposed extending its lease, expanding into other sports, and redeveloping the site to accommodate concerts with a capacity of up to 50,000. Their plan involves seeking additional funding from the council.

This puts Ponsonby Rugby Club in direct competition with a bid led by former player Williams and his team, which would require relocation.

According to Tātaki Auckland, one of the applicants presented their proposal to councillors last week. At the same time, the remaining two are scheduled to present in the coming week.

A final decision on the council’s preferred option is expected in early May, followed by a public consultation process where Auckland residents can share their views. Some argue that public consultation should come before the council makes any “preferred option” decisions.

Ponsonby Rugby Club’s current lease expires in 2027, and the Western Springs Speedway venue hire agreement expires this month.

Tātaki Auckland’s chief executive, Nick Hill, acknowledged the strong community connection to Western Springs Stadium and recognized its significance as a historic venue for speedway, concerts and sports.

“As the entity managing the stadium on behalf of the council, now is the right time to evaluate how we can best maximize its future potential,” Hill said.

This is a statement that’s a bit of a kick in the teeth and insulting to those involved with Western Springs Speedway, especially to the campaigners fighting to keep the speedway where it is. Those who have called the venue home for the last 96 years and have a generational history within their families at the venue.