Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium is poised for a significant transformation, moving closer to becoming a major outdoor concert venue. On Tuesday, a majority of Auckland councillors – 15 out of 21 – voted in favor of a proposal to build a Hollywood Bowl-inspired structure at the stadium, a move that promises to bring more large-scale events to the city. The decision follows years of debate and consideration of alternative uses for the iconic site, including a return to speedway racing.
The plan, spearheaded by concert promoter Brent Eccles, envisions a venue capable of attracting international artists, capitalizing on Western Springs’ existing infrastructure – its large capacity, central location, and natural amphitheater layout. Eccles, speaking at the council’s governing body meeting, drew parallels to renowned outdoor venues like the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, arguing that Western Springs possesses a similar, untapped potential. The project aims to balance large-scale entertainment with continued community use, including existing rugby commitments.
A New Stage for Auckland’s Music Scene
The approved proposal outlines a shared-use arrangement, with concerts planned during the summer months and rugby union matches continuing throughout the winter. The Ponsonby Rugby Club, whose lease at Western Springs was nearing expiration, has publicly supported the plan, seeing it as an opportunity to improve stadium infrastructure and secure their long-term presence at the site. Peter Thorp, speaking on behalf of the club, stated the proposal offered a “sustainable way” to enhance the stadium for both the club and the wider community. The agreement extends the rugby club’s lease for five years, with a two-year termination clause for the council.
The project is estimated to require $2.5 million in public funding for the construction of a permanent stage and associated upgrades. These funds will be drawn from the existing budget of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the council’s economic and cultural agency. The investment is intended to position Western Springs as a premier destination for live music, potentially boosting Auckland’s tourism and cultural profile. Eccles believes the venue’s inherent advantages – its size and location – will make it an attractive option for international touring acts.
The End of an Era for Speedway?
The decision to prioritize the concert venue proposal wasn’t without opposition. Six councillors – Christine Fletcher, John Gillon, Mike Lee, Greg Sayers, Ken Turner, and John Watson – advocated for further exploration of alternative options, most notably the restoration of speedway racing to Western Springs. Speedway had been a fixture at the stadium for nearly a century before Auckland Council controversially voted to move the sport to Waikaraka Park in Onehunga in 2024, a decision that sparked significant protest. Hundreds protested the move last year, highlighting the deep community ties to the sport.
The Speedway Association, represented by lawyer Bronwyn Carruthers KC, maintains that the council did not adequately consider their proposal, which included provisions for speedway, rugby, and other events. They are currently pursuing a judicial review in the High Court, with a hearing scheduled for July, challenging the decision to relocate the sport. Councillor John Gillon voiced concerns about the public consultation process, arguing it was flawed by the absence of a clear speedway option, potentially skewing the results. Approximately 15,000 Aucklanders provided feedback on the stadium’s future, but Gillon believes a more transparent process is needed.
What’s Next for Western Springs?
Despite the ongoing legal challenge, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited staff advised councillors to proceed with a decision on Tuesday. The immediate next step involves finalizing the design and securing necessary approvals for the stage construction and stadium upgrades. The council will also continue to perform with the Ponsonby Rugby Club to refine the shared-use agreement. The timeline for completion of the project remains unclear, but officials aim to have the venue ready to host concerts as early as the next summer season.
The decision marks a turning point for Western Springs, shifting its focus from motorsport to live entertainment. While the future of speedway in Auckland remains uncertain, the council’s vote signals a commitment to developing the stadium as a significant cultural asset for the city. For updates on the Western Springs redevelopment, visit the Auckland Council website.
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