Plans for a “ground-breaking” new stadium in downtown Auckland have been unveiled, with the consortium behind it hoping it will transform the CBD’s eastern precinct.
The Te Tōangaroa bid proposes a new 15ha urban neighbourhood at Quay Park, bordered by Spark Arena and Quay St, on Ngāti Whātua land, in the old Auckland Railways yard.
The central focus of the development is a 50,000 seat stadium with a unique design that invokes Auckland’s isthmus and cultural heritage. It has been designed with an “accordion” style retractable roof that means that it could host anything from rugby games to concerts.
Te Tōangaroa is framed as being unlike other stadiums, with the stands looking out to Waitematā Harbour and framing Rangitoto Island.
Toa Architects senior Māori adviser Tracy Davis told 1News that they wanted to create something that could be New Zealand’s answer to the Sydney Opera House.
“Something that really makes us stand out on the world stage, that people want to travel to New Zealand to be part of and experience.”
The plans for the precinct include up to four hotels – one of which would be All Blacks themed and integrated into the stadium - along with several bars, restaurants, and retail outlets. Commercial office space and potential for about 2000 residential apartments were also included in the proposal.
Proximity to a variety of transport modes made Te Tōangaroa “accessible” for punters, with Davis adding that it would redevelop the eastern precinct.
“When people come off those cruise ships, we want them to turn left. It’s really going to lift that whole area for the public and the natural environment.”
The potential of the bid has attracted some major players from around the world. Goldman Sachs, the second largest investment bank in the world, is on board, as is architectural company HKS who recently won accolades for their work building stadiums in California and Minnesota.
The consortium also includes several global and local experts in planning, engineering, infrastructure, environmental impact and Kaupapa Māori. New Zealand Rugby are also backing the proposal.
Discussions over a new stadium for the city have been ongoing for years, with a working group established by Auckland Council late last year as a way of moving forward.
Three other pitches are under consideration, a 70-000 capacity “sunken stadium” at Bledisloe Wharf, a 55,000-seat facility at Wynyard Point complete with an indoor arena and outdoor amphitheatre, and an upgrade to Eden Park which would add a roof and three new grandstands.
SHARE ME