Eden Park would look significantly different, including the installation of a roof, if upgrading it becomes the preferred option for a national stadium in Auckland. (Mock-up image) Photo: Supplied / Eden Park
Auckland Council is expected to vote on whether or not to approve two proposals for a new stadium development at its Governing Body meeting on Thursday.
Four different proposals were put forward, including a 50,000-seat facility at Quay Park / Te Tōangaroa, favoured by New Zealand Rugby, a sunken stadium which could fit 70,000 at Bledisloe Wharf or a 55,000-seat venue at Wynyard Point.
A revamp of the existing Eden Park stadium was also on the cards, which included putting a roof over the grounds.
Stadium working group chairperson councillor Shane Henderson said only the proposals for a revamped Eden Park and the downtown stadium, known as Quay Park, would be recommended for approval.
Quay Park would meet residents' desire for a central city based stadium option, while also being an exciting urban development opportunity, Henderson said.
The Eden Park redevelopment option was also exciting, he said.
"It's got a history and a current record of really delivering for Aucklanders."
The two unsuccessful waterfront proposals were on land which council already had plans for. Photo: RNZ / Supplied
If it was approved, bidders would have to do a feasability study of the development at their own expense, he said.
The feasbility studies could take months, he said.
"That will come back from assessment and then we'll take it from there."
After that, it would be a matter of the Governing Body deciding between the two options.
Henderson said the two unsuccessful waterfront proposals were on land which council already had plans for.
"Bledisloe has port activity ongoing that we've already consulted on, Wynyard Point has a park development that has been long promised to the community and to Aucklanders," he said.
"There's a land use issue, that's the main thing there."