Tauranga City Council is seeking community views on the future of Mercury Baypark Stadium and the continuation of speedway activity on the site.
Under current agreements, Speedway is set to operate at Mercury Baypark until 2029. The Council is now considering a proposal that would extend Speedway operations until 2039.
The proposal would see Speedway Racing Ltd purchase the North Stand (15,600 seats) for $1 and be responsible for its maintenance, while leasing the land from Council through Bay Venues Ltd. Council would retain ownership of the land, and the North Stand would be returned to Council at the end of the lease in 2039 for $1.
Councillor Kevin Schuler said that before any decisions about the proposal are made, the Council wants to understand how the community’s views Mercury Baypark Stadium and speedway operations.
“This consultation is about testing the community’s support for the proposal and weighing up what Mercury Baypark Stadium’s future should look like for the next decade,” said Cr Schuler.
“The proposal provides a way for Speedway to continue operating without placing immediate costs on ratepayers. However, if there’s not strong community support for this approach, we’ll explore alternative options for the site beyond 2029.”
He said that while Mercury Baypark has hosted Speedway events for more than two decades, the North Stand is in poor condition and requires investment to remain operational. It is used almost exclusively for Speedway events, around 15 times a year.
“If Speedway continues until 2039, it would be under new arrangements that shift the immediate cost and responsibility for maintaining the stand to Speedway Racing Ltd.”
“If not, there are potential opportunities to reimagine the site for future recreational or commercial uses that could serve the wider community from 2029.”
Consultation is now open and will close at 5pm on Monday 23 June.
Community consultation drop-in sessions will be held at Mercury Baypark Arena Suites, where residents can meet with Councillors and learn more about the options:
- Monday, 9 June, 5:30pm–7:30pm
- Saturday, 14 June, 10:00 am –12:00 pm
To learn more and share your views, visit letstalk.tauranaga.govt.nz/baypark.
