The Western Springs Speedway Association (WSSA) has presented Auckland Councillors with a bold, privately funded proposal that reimagines Western Springs Stadium as one of the city’s most flexible, community‑driven, and financially responsible venues.
The proposal, shared with councillors on 25 March, outlines a future‑proofed, multi‑use precinct designed to serve Aucklanders year‑round, without placing major capital costs on ratepayers.
“There is a clear appetite for a solution that actually works for Aucklanders,” says WSSA spokesperson Jason Jones.
“Our proposal delivers value, protects ratepayers, and keeps the venue open to everyone, not just a narrow set of uses.”
A Critical Vote Ahead
Auckland Councillors are scheduled to vote on TAU’s Option 2 proposal on Tuesday, 31 March at the Auckland Town Hall.
WSSA believes councillors now have all the information they need to make a confident, informed decision, and to recognise that the right answer has been in front of them all along.
“The WSSA proposal is the only option that is fully funded, future‑focused, community‑driven, and financially responsible,” says Jones.
“It’s time to tell TAU that Auckland deserves a solution that works, not another expensive problem.”
A Future‑Focused, Multi‑Use Precinct
WSSA’s plan centres on transforming Western Springs into a flexible, community‑activated venue supported entirely by private investment. While the full proposal will be released publicly on Saturday, the core vision presented to councillors includes:
- A multi‑use community precinct designed for daily activation
- Facilities that support sport, recreation, education, hospitality, and events
- Infrastructure upgrades that improve safety, flexibility, and operational efficiency
- A layout that avoids locking the stadium into a single, restrictive use
- A future‑proofed approach aligned with modern resilience and flood‑management principles
These elements work together to create a venue that is more flexible, not more constrained, and capable of serving Aucklanders for decades to come.
Designed for Flexibility and Resilience
The proposal includes practical infrastructure improvements that enhance usability and long‑term resilience, such as:
- Relocating essential services out of the flood zone
- Modular, rapidly deployable fencing
- Expanded pit and storage areas
- Infrastructure that supports a wide range of event setups
- A layout that maintains efficient crowd flow and operational flexibility
These upgrades ensure Western Springs can host everything from community events to major concerts — without compromising safety or usability
Honouring a 96‑Year Legacy While Building for the Future
Speedway remains a cornerstone of the proposal, providing:
- A stable anchor tenant
- Strong economic and community benefits
- A purpose‑built use that cannot be replicated elsewhere
- A heritage asset that Aucklanders continue to support
Western Springs Speedway was originally built as a speedway and opened in 1929. Since 1971, the venue has hosted 130 concerts, beginning with Elton John. Ponsonby Rugby has only been based at the venue since 1997, and there have been no noise complaints regarding speedway since 2006 — a testament to responsible management and strong community coexistence.
Recent consultation data show that Speedway was the most frequently cited unified theme across all feedback, with 44.82% of respondents selecting options aligned with retaining it.
While WSSA’s focus is firmly on delivering a constructive, future‑focused solution, the group notes that the current Council process has created confusion for many Aucklanders. A Judicial Review is underway, and the option now being presented to councillors differs significantly from what the public was originally consulted on.
Jones adds: “We aren’t here just to point out what’s gone wrong — we’re here to offer a roadmap for what’s right.”
The full proposal — including detailed designs, community facilities, and supporting material — will be released publicly on: Saturday, 28 March at 10:00 AM
via www.facebook.com/saveourspeedway
Header Image: Auckland Stadiums
