The future use of Western Springs Stadium is closer to being decided, with a further developed ‘Western Springs Bowl’ concept to go to Auckland Council’s Governing Body for a final decision later this month.
Auckland Council and the stadium’s owner, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), have continued to explore the best use for the stadium as part of an open Expressions of Interest process which began in 2024 and included public feedback in 2025.
TAU has developed a refined ‘Western Springs Bowl’ concept. It retains the event-related benefits of the original proposal and the continued presence of Ponsonby Rugby Club, while reducing the level of ratepayer funding required.
Auckland Council Deputy Mayor, Desley Simpson says she looks forward to considering the recommendation from TAU with the full council at the end of March.
“This process has been about unlocking the full potential of Western Springs Stadium so it can be used more often and by more people,” said Cr Simpson.
“As a key venue in our stadium network, the right solution will strengthen this iconic asset as a multi-use facility for sport, festivals, concerts and community events.”
TAU’s recommendation proposes the installation of semi-permanent staging to cater primarily to festivals and concerts up to 30,000 people, alongside an upgraded boutique sports configuration catering primarily for events up to 5,000 fans. This would be achieved with an investment of up to $2.5 million from TAU’s existing capital funding budget.
TAU Chief Executive, Nick Hill said he was enthusiastic about the opportunities that the redeveloped concept can generate for Auckland.
“TAU regrouped after last year’s consultation and subsequent withdrawal of Option 1. As the stadium’s owners, we know how crucial it is to find the best future use for all Aucklanders,” said Mr Hill.
“This summer’s concerts at the stadium had an incredible impact culturally and economically for Tāmaki Makaurau, so we are excited by the future opportunities the Western Springs Bowl concept would deliver.
“The redeveloped proposal is cost-effective for ratepayers and can deliver a fit-for-purpose venue with immediate benefits, giving promoters confidence ahead of next summer’s concert season.
“Based on a March decision, promoters could start marketing the Western Springs Bowl, with the boutique sports stadium operational by September and the concert/ festival elements ready from October 2026,” he said.
The original Western Springs Bowl concept, initially proposed during the EOI process by a consortium of music promoters alongside current tenant Ponsonby Rugby Club, scored well during the EOI evaluation. However, TAU estimated it would require approximately $106.7 million in ratepayer funding over a 50-year period. The more developed bowl concept drastically reduces ratepayer funding required and will see event-related revenues offset ongoing venue maintenance and operational costs, Council said in a statement.
Thirty per cent of submitters in the council’s 2025 public consultation on Western Springs Stadium options favoured a Western Springs Bowl concept, with higher levels of support from those living closest to the venue: 47% of Waitematā Local Board residents were supportive, and 41% support in Albert-Eden.
Within the regional stadium network, Western Springs Bowl would provide mid-sized venue capacity larger than Spark Arena, but below major venues such as Go Media Stadium and Eden Park, Council stated.
The final decision on this proposal will be made by the Governing Body when it meets on 31 March.
