A new deal for the management of Eden Park means Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby will exit from the country’s biggest stadium.
Auckland Cricket is relocating to Colin Maiden Park, while Auckland Rugby is looking for a new “fit-for-purpose” regional facility.
The Foundation Agreement signed by Auckland Council, the Crown, Eden Park, Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby Union is intended to support the transition of sporting organisations to facilities that better suit their long-term needs.
A statement from the council said: “The aim is to make better use of Auckland’s stadium assets and support more sustainable and tailored venues.”
The agreement follows the joint announcement by the council and the Government for a Regional Deal last week, including $5 million of matched funding from Auckland Council and the Crown ($10m in total) committed to the development of Colin Maiden Park as the new home for domestic cricket in Auckland.
Minister for Auckland Simon Watts said: “This practical first step paves the way for cricket and rugby to resolve long-standing legacy arrangements at Eden Park that are no longer fit for purpose.”
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said she wanted “to see more sport, culture, concerts and major events in Auckland”.
“These are the experiences that showcase our diversity and help create a vibrant, globally connected city. Aucklanders love them, visitors come here for them and stay longer to enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer – all while boosting the wider economy.”
Eden Park Trust Board chairman Simon Bridges said the agreement “gives momentum to our future plans for Eden Park”.
Meanwhile, Auckland Rugby chairman Brent Metson said the organisation is “closing in on an exit strategy from Eden Park”.
Eden Park is an independent operator in Auckland’s stadium network, which also comprises Go Media Stadium, North Harbour Stadium and Western Springs Stadium.
After last week’s foundation agreement there are plans to redevelop Colin Maiden Park, the home of the Auckland University Cricket Club, into a “modern, high-performance cricketing hub”.
The $10m upgrade will turn the venue’s facilities into the home of domestic cricket in the city.
The wicket block will be expanded and reoriented to go with a new outfield, embankments, a new pavilion and changing facilities, broadcast infrastructure and an all-weather grass training facility.
Auckland Cricket will relocate permanently under the plans, while Auckland Rugby is yet to announce where it will be based in the future.
Auckland Cricket used Colin Maiden Park as a home while Eden Park was redeveloped for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but the local sides have played at the Outer Oval, for the most part, since.
“Aucklanders love their cricket – whether they’re playing on a Saturday morning, watching domestic matches or supporting the next generation coming through,” Simpson said.
“This development will give them a home that reflects that passion and supports the sport for decades to come.”
The all-weather grass training facility will be funded by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and replicate existing high-performance centres in Tauranga and Lincoln.
“The upgrades to Colin Maiden Park are a huge positive for the sport,” interim NZC chief executive Graham Parks said.
“In particular, all-weather facilities are increasingly important in building resiliency for a sport that is vulnerable to the impacts of weather.
“Our top cricketers being able to practise on grass, regardless of the weather in Auckland, is a development that is long overdue and something NZC is very happy to facilitate.”
The upgrades to the pitch block, outfield and embankments will begin shortly, with the intended completion date of January next year.
After that, the new pavilion and indoor facility will replace the current set-up used by the Auckland University Cricket Club and become offices for Auckland Cricket.
“Bringing all of these elements together creates a true home for Auckland Cricket,” Auckland Cricket chairman Brendon Gibson said.
“There’s a lot of work to do and the timeframe is very tight, however, we are optimistic Colin Maiden Park will be ready to welcome cricket fans by January 2027.”
The Auckland University Cricket Club and the Auckland University Rugby Football Club will remain based at Colin Maiden Park.