|
Ōrākei Local Board
05 June 2025
|
|
Auckland
Cricket's proposed development at Colin Maiden Park
File No.: CP2025/11414
Te take mō te
pūrongo
Purpose of the report
1. To seek the Ōrākei Local Board’s approval for
Auckland Cricket Association Incorporated’s (Auckland Cricket) proposed
development at Colin Maiden Park. This includes the necessary approvals for the
development works as landowner and occupancy agreements to enable the
relocation of Auckland Cricket’s domestic cricket operations to the park.
Whakarāpopototanga matua
Executive summary
2.
Auckland Cricket is seeking approval to upgrade facilities at
Colin Maiden Park, St Johns, to support the relocation of its domestic cricket
operations. The proposal includes:
i)
a full upgrade of the main oval (Cricket Block
B) aligning with New Zealand Cricket’s domestic Warrant of Fitness
standard and the recontouring of the outfield and
grass embankments
ii) construction
of a high-performance all weather grass training facility (Cravo) approximately
62 metres long, 22 metres wide and at a height of 6 metres
iii) the
refurbishment and fit-out of the vacant office building
iv) construction
of supporting infrastructure for the hosting of domestic cricket including a
permanent broadcast tower, scoreboard, and sight screens
v) upgrades
to existing club rooms and change rooms
vi) new
multi-sport clubrooms and changing rooms for use by the Auckland University
Cricket Club (AUCC).
3.
Auckland Cricket has been based at Eden Park since 1912. Eden Park is no
longer considered a suitable home for domestic cricket due to increased
scheduling conflicts and infrastructure limitations.
4.
In 2023, Eden Park received consent to host up to 12
concerts annually, significantly limiting Auckland Cricket’s ability to
access the venue. Additionally, flood damage and the inability to construct new
training facilities have accelerated the need for relocation. A detailed site
assessment, commissioned by Auckland Cricket in late 2022, identified Colin
Maiden Park as the most appropriate alternative. Colin Maiden Park offers
sufficient space, existing infrastructure and strong local participation levels.
5.
Colin Maiden Park was acquired by Auckland Council in 2014 from the
University of Auckland. It is a 20-hectare park held under the Local Government
Act 2002. It features eight full-sized and three partial sports fields,
clubrooms and supporting infrastructure. The broader Colin Maiden Park Precinct
plays a key role in Auckland’s regional sports network. Auckland Hockey
is also located within Colin Maiden Park, and Auckland Netball, Oceania
Football Confederation are located in the neighbouring Ngahue Reserve as is
Auckland Tennis on the neighbouring land.
6.
While there is capacity within the Ōrākei Local
Board area to meet most of the winter community field requirements, demand is
expected to increase over the next ten years due to population growth. Significant
investment will be required to mitigate the loss of potential sports field
capacity in the future.
7.
The Ōrākei Local Board holds decision-making
authority for local parks, and sport and community facilities. This includes
development initiatives for capital works, applications for landowner consent
and granting of leases and licences. The resolutions proposed in this report
would enable:
·
major upgrades to Colin Maiden Park to support
both high-performance and community sport
·
the relocation of Auckland Cricket’s domestic base, further
embedding the park’s strategic role within Auckland’s regional
sporting infrastructure.
8.
Staff recommend that the local board grant landowner approval
for the development works and the corresponding leases and licence, subject to
conditions, on the basis that the proposal:
· provides
a more suitable home for domestic cricket in Auckland, and a more strategic use
of regional assets
· utilises third party investment to deliver high-performance and
upgraded community facilities
· maintains
the park’s multi-sport character through seasonal allocations and
shared-use agreements.
9.
Auckland Cricket aims to be operational at Colin Maiden
Park by October 2026, with construction on the main oval required to begin by
October 2025 to meet this timeline.
Ngā tūtohunga
Recommendation/s
That the Ōrākei Local Board:
a) tuku
/ grant landowner approval, subject to the parties entering into one or more
written agreements by no later than 30 September 2025, on terms and conditions
satisfactory to Auckland Council, including but not limited to those set out in
resolution b) below, for Auckland Cricket Association Incorporated’s
proposed development works at Colin Maiden Park, including the:
i) full
upgrade of the main cricket oval (described as Cricket Block B) aligning with
New Zealand Cricket’s domestic Warrant of Fitness standard and the recontouring of the outfield and grass embankments
ii) construction
of a high-performance all weather grass training facility (the ‘Cravo’)
approximately 62 metres long, 22 metres wide and at a height of six metres
iii) refurbishment
and fit-out of the vacant office building
iv) construction
of supporting fixed infrastructure for the hosting of domestic cricket
including a permanent broadcast tower, scoreboard, and sight screens
v) upgrades
to existing club rooms and change rooms.
b) whakaae
/ approve entering into one or more written agreements with Auckland Cricket
Association Incorporated to redevelop or develop the facilities described in
recommendation a)(i-v), subject to the following conditions being met prior to
the commencement of any works:
Table 1:
Conditions/Prerequisites to the Commencement of Works
|
Condition/Prerequisite to the Commencement of Works
|
Description
|
|
Loss of field provisioning
|
Auckland Cricket and Auckland Council agreeing to a
value exchange to address and mitigate the loss of community field capacity.
At a minimum, the mitigation must offset the number of community hours lost
on Cricket Block B for all codes currently estimated at 45 hours per week.
|
|
Confirmation of funding
|
Auckland Council being satisfied that Auckland Cricket
Association Incorporated has secured full funding to complete each relevant
component of the development works.
|
|
Approval of detailed design, plans and specifications
|
Auckland Council to approve each stage of the works
that include drainage, landscaping, irrigation, security and lighting (from
preliminary design through to construction design).
|
|
Regulatory approvals
|
Auckland Cricket Association Incorporated obtaining all
approvals and consents (including those required under the Building Act 2004
and Resource Management Act 1991, and any subsequent legislation) that are
required to enable the relevant component of the development works.
|
i)
The agreement or agreements will specify:
A. development obligations
B. delivery milestones
C. the consequences if the works are not achieved by the agreed
date/s to ensure that all the works described in a)(i-v) are delivered and
completed
D. the terms under which the licence and leases will be granted
on completion of the relevant works for each component.
c) tuku
/ grant in principle, future occupancy rights to licence the main oval, and to
lease the ‘Cravo’ and office building to Auckland Cricket
Association Incorporated, subject to:
i)
satisfactory completion of the relevant works
ii)
relevant works completed no later December 2027
iii)
the terms in Table 2.
d) tāpae
/ delegate authority to staff to negotiate and finalise the outstanding
commercial terms, with final approval of the rental term and fee to be
confirmed by the local board.
e) express
preliminary support for the development of new multi-sport club rooms and
change rooms and the grant of a lease over the area identified as 6 in Figure 1
for use by the Auckland University Cricket Club, subject to further information
being provided to and assessed by Auckland Council prior to any formal
decision. Preliminary support is provided on the basis that the development
would commence before 30 June 2030.
f) tuhi
tīpoka / note that the above recommendations are not an offer made by
Auckland Council for acceptance by Auckland Cricket Association Incorporated
and neither party is or will be deemed to be bound by the above resolutions
until an agreement or agreements to licence or lease have been signed by
Auckland Council and Auckland Cricket Association Incorporated.
Table
2: Colin Maiden Park Occupancy - Key Terms
|
Grant/ Premises
|
Term of Grant
|
Permitted Use
|
Licence Fee / Rent
|
General Terms
|
Other Terms
|
|
Licence
Main oval
|
Commencement Date: The date immediately
following the Completion Date (being the earlier of the issue of a
certificate for public use or code compliance certificate in respect of the
works) and written confirmation from Auckland Council that relevant works
have been completed to the reasonable satisfaction of Auckland Council.
Expiry Date: [10 years from the date
commencement], with one 10 year right of renewal.
|
For use as a
cricket oval.
|
To be negotiated and agreed.
|
· The agreement is linked to the other
occupancy rights forming part of the development. All agreements are intended
to expire concurrently, and termination of one may result in the termination
of all.
· Auckland Cricket will be responsible, at
its own cost, for reinstating the site if the remaining components of the
development do not proceed within the agreed milestone date.
|
· Auckland Cricket will be responsible, at
its cost, for the maintenance of the main oval and will develop a programme
of maintenance to align with New Zealand Cricket’s domestic Warrant of
Fitness standard and ensuring accordance with Auckland Council’s Sports
Facilities Maintenance Delivery specifications.
· Auckland Cricket will work collaboratively
with Auckland Council to maximise community use, including providing for code
sharing over the winter season.
|
|
Ground lease
Cravo - part of the land
adjacent to the main entrance on Merton Road as shown in Figure 1
|
All activities and operations
related to a high-performance all weather grass training facility.
|
·
· Auckland Cricket will use best endeavours
to make the Cravo accessible for community use. |
|
Building lease
Ground floor of the building known as 750A
at 71-73 Merton Road, St Johns, being approximately 450m2 as shown
in Figure 1
|
All activities
and operations related to cricket administration and performance facility
including:
· administration offices
· a gym
· physio and strength and conditioning
facilities.
|
·
|
Horopaki
Context
10.
The Ōrākei Local Board holds
decision-making authority for local parks, and sport and community facilities.
This includes development initiatives for capital works, applications for
landowner consent and granting of leases and licences.
11.
The recommendations proposed in this report
would enable:
· major upgrades to Colin Maiden Park to support both high-performance
and community sport
· the relocation of Auckland Cricket’s domestic operations to
the park, reinforcing Colin Maiden Park’s role as a regionally
significant sporting precinct.
12. Auckland Cricket has been engaging with the
local board on this proposal since March 2023. Due to increasing scheduling
conflicts at Eden Park, Auckland Cricket aims to be operational at Colin Maiden
Park by the start of the 2026/2027 cricket season (October 2026). To meet this
timeline, the upgrade of the main oval must commence by October 2025.
Auckland Cricket Association
13.
Auckland Cricket is a not-for-profit
organisation and the regional governing body for cricket in Auckland.
Established in 1873, it oversees the delivery and development of community,
school and domestic cricket across the Auckland region.
14.
As a major association of New Zealand Cricket, Auckland
Cricket plays an important role in promoting cricket at all levels, from
grassroots and community participation to elite performance. Its strategy
focuses on growing the game, delivering quality competitions, and identifying
and supporting future Blackcaps and White Ferns through structured development
pathways.
15.
Approximately 14,000 participants across the
region through 16 affiliated clubs are supported by Auckland Cricket. Each
Saturday during the summer season, more than 300 games of club cricket take
place across Auckland.
16.
Auckland Cricket manages Auckland’s
professional men’s and women’s teams, the Auckland Aces and
Auckland Hearts, who collectively hold 68 national titles. The Aces have won
the Plunket Shield 28 times, the Ford Trophy 10 times, and have claimed four
Super Smash titles, including most recently in the 2024/2025 season. Home games
for both teams are currently held at Eden Park’s Outer Oval (Number Two
ground), subject to availability and scheduling conflicts with concerts or
other events.
17.
Eden Park has been the base of operations for
Auckland Cricket since 1912, however the stadium is no longer considered a
suitable home for domestic cricket. Its evolution into a premier events venue
has created scheduling and operational constraints. There is a growing need for
purpose-built cricket infrastructure to meet the needs of both the performance
and community game.
Drivers for Relocation to
Colin Maiden Park
18.
In 2023, Eden Park received consent to host up
to 12 concerts annually, doubling the number permitted since 2021. This,
combined with other scheduling demands, has placed further pressure on Auckland
Cricket’s ability to consistently access the venue.
19.
Eden Park’s Outer Oval was significantly
damaged during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend floods. The grounds now
require renewed investment to improve the quality of the playing surface and to
maintain New Zealand Cricket Warrant of Fitness standard.
20.
Eden Park’s spatial constraints have also
restricted the construction of any new high-performance training facilities.
21.
Following a detailed site assessment,
commissioned by Auckland Cricket in November 2022, Colin Maiden Park was
identified as the preferred location for a new base of operations. This
decision was based on:
· existing cricket infrastructure already in place
· opportunity to repurpose existing buildings
· sufficient space to accommodate the proposed development
· strong local participation, with the Ōrākei Local Board
area having the highest number of registered cricket teams in Auckland
· Auckland Cricket having previously hosted games at Colin Maiden
Park.
22.
Eden Park would remain the preferred venue for
all formats of international cricket.
Colin Maiden Park
23.
Colin Maiden Park is a 20-hectare council-owned
park located in St Johns, within the Ōrākei Local Board area. It
forms part of the broader Colin Maiden Park Precinct, which also includes
Ngahue Reserve and adjacent land held by Tennis Auckland.
24.
Auckland Council acquired Colin Maiden Park from
the University of Auckland in February 2014 to preserve it as a public sports
and recreation facility. The land was purchased to meet the growing demand for
open space and sports field capacity. The park's integration into public
ownership enabled more strategic planning for community sport, aligning with
council’s goals to enhance regional recreational infrastructure.
25.
The park comprises five separate land parcels,
all held by Auckland Council under the Local Government Act 2002. It features
eight full-sized sports fields and three partial fields which are a mix of
sand-based surfaces and soil fields. It also includes large clubroom buildings,
on-site amenities and parking.
26.
The Colin Maiden Park Precinct is a key regional
sports facility, providing essential infrastructure for both grassroots and
high-performance sport. The wider precinct is currently home to Auckland
Hockey, Auckland Netball, Oceania Football Confederation and Auckland Tennis.
27.
The proposed relocation of Auckland
Cricket’s domestic operations would further reinforce Colin Maiden
Park’s role as a regionally significant sporting precinct.
Tātaritanga me ngā
tohutohu
Analysis and advice
Proposed development at Colin Maiden Park
28.
Auckland Cricket has developed concept plans for
the relocation of its domestic cricket operations, training base and
administrative offices to Colin Maiden Park.
29.
The proposed development consists of six key
components, which may be delivered in stages:
i)
Full upgrade of the main cricket oval
(Cricket Block B), including:
o realignment and expansion of the cricket wicket aligning
with domestic standards (New Zealand Cricket’s
Warrant of Fitness standard)
o installation of drainage, irrigation and sand carpet
o recontouring of the outfield and grass embankments. The embankments are proposed to be constructed concurrently with the
oval upgrade and Cravo installation to support the delivery of domestic cricket.
ii)
Construction of a high-performance all
weather grass training facility (Cravo) adjacent to the main entrance on Merton
Road (Attachment A). The Cravo will:
o contain 22 grass wickets
o be 62 metres long, 22 metres wide and at a height of six
metres
o align with world leading grass wicket facility standards
o allow players to train on the surface all year round.
iii)
Refurbishment and fit-out of the ground floor
of the vacant office building (Attachment B) to
include:
o open-plan office space and meeting rooms to be shared with
Auckland University Cricket Club (AUCC) and community cricket organisations
o staff room, players’ lounge and storage areas
o a high-performance centre with gym, physio, and strength
and conditioning facilities.
iv)
Construction of supporting infrastructure for
the hosting of domestic cricket. This includes a
permanent broadcast tower, scoreboard and sight screens.
v)
Upgrades to
existing club rooms and change rooms.
vi)
New multi-sport club rooms and change rooms for use by the AUCC (Attachment C).
Figure 1: Site plan showing indicative layout of
proposed Auckland Cricket facilities
Key:
i) - Main cricket oval
(Cricket Block B)
ii) - Cravo
iii) - Office building
iv) - Supporting infrastructure -
permanent broadcast tower, scoreboard, sight screens
v) - Existing change rooms and
clubrooms
vi) - New multi-sport club rooms and
change rooms for AUCC
30. Auckland Cricket aims to be operational at Colin Maiden Park by the
start of the 2026/2027 cricket season (1 October 2026). This will require
completing the main oval upgrades and the supporting infrastructure for the
delivery of domestic cricket. Auckland Cricket plan to lodge its applications
for resource consent as soon as possible, provided approval is granted to enter
into an agreement to develop, and licence and agreements to lease.
31. The new change rooms and club rooms for AUCC are
only conceptual at this stage with no detailed design, costing or funding plan.
This component has a delivery horizon of five years. It is recommended that the local board express preliminary support
for the granting of a lease for the development of new change and club rooms
for AUCC. Further work will be required to be undertaken, and further details
provided to council prior to any decisions being made.
Strategic objectives and
benefits
32.
Auckland Cricket’s proposed development
aims to enhance cricket facilities within the park to meet both domestic
cricket and community sport needs.
33.
Benefits identified by Auckland Cricket include:
· additional social,
recreational and economic outcomes for the local board area and wider region
through increased development and high-performance matches and tournaments able
to be hosted in Auckland
· strengthening Colin
Maiden Park’s identity as a regionally significant sporting precinct
· revitalisation and
enhancement of existing buildings and infrastructure
· providing
high-quality, gender-appropriate facilities to support the growth of
women’s sport
· maintaining
community access.
34.
Auckland Cricket’s broader strategy is for
cricket to form part of Colin Maiden Park’s multi-sport hub, similar to
Bay Oval (Tauranga), Seddon Park (Hamilton) and Hagley Oval (Christchurch). At
each of these venues, cricket is fully integrated alongside other sporting
codes such as rugby, hockey and football. These parks also serve as the local
home venues for their respective domestic cricket teams, while offering a
relaxed, village-green atmosphere that enhances the spectator experience. Auckland
Cricket aspires to deliver a comparable model at Colin Maiden Park - balancing
high-performance needs with community access in a park-like setting.
35.
In addition to providing
benefits for the Ōrākei Local Board area, relocating Auckland
Cricket’s domestic base to Colin Maiden Park supports a more strategic
use of regional assets. It would enable Eden Park to focus on
revenue-generating activities, such as hosting international cricket and
large-scale events. This approach aligns with the
priorities outlined in council’s Stadium Investment Objectives, which
states that council’s investment will:
· get the most out of our infrastructure
· support a complementary network of multi-use facilities
· promote integrated, sustainable precincts
· improve financial sustainability.
Colin Maiden Park Precinct Master Plan
36.
A park master plan is a strategic document that guides
the long-term management, development and preservation of a park. It provides a
structured framework to ensure that parks are managed sustainably, meet
community needs, and to preserve natural and cultural heritage.
37.
The Colin Maiden Park Precinct Master Plan aims
to develop the site into a regionally significant sports precinct that
integrates community participation with high-performance programmes. The plan
identifies opportunities for multiple sporting codes, including cricket, to
operate cooperatively across the park.
38.
The master plan, adopted in 2016 following wide
public consultation, outlines both the current and future use of the precinct
(refer to Figure 2).
Figure 2: Colin
Maiden Park Precinct Master Plan (2016)
39.
The master plan specifically references the
presence of indoor cricket training facilities and the AUCC clubrooms,
acknowledging cricket’s role within the precinct. While the master plan
does not explicitly mention Auckland Cricket, Auckland Cricket is a primary
user, as it currently holds the summer season field allocation at Colin Maiden
Park (October to April). Auckland Cricket has also previously hosted domestic
matches at the park, including during the 2010 to 2013 seasons when Eden Park
was undergoing upgrades for the Rugby World Cup 2011.
40.
While Colin Maiden Park is classified as a local
sports park, and Auckland Cricket is permitted to host domestic matches under
this designation, the classification also reflects a strong emphasis on
community provision and access.
Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan
41.
The Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan
(LPMP) is currently in development. The draft LPMP has been prepared and is
expected to be adopted by the local board in 2025.The process to date has
included two rounds of public consultation.
42.
The Independent Commissioner sought feedback
from the Ōrākei LPMP hearings panel before finalising their report.
Outstanding matters include a classification report, which will be presented to
the local board for approval before seeking approval of the final LPMP.
43.
The draft LPMP identifies Colin Maiden Park as a
popular and well-used facility. It places a management focus on organised sport
and supports the park’s continued development as a high-performance
sporting precinct, as well as a base for major sporting codes and events at
both community and high-performance levels.
44.
The draft plan also identifies archaeological
sites of significance to Māori within the park. One such area is located
near the proposed Cravo structure. The area in question is currently grassed
and not used for any defined activity. As part of the approval process,
Auckland Cricket will be required to lodge and obtain resource consent, with
consideration being given to cultural and archaeological sensitivities.
Current users
45.
Cricket Block B is currently allocated for both
summer and winter use, with AUCC the primary user over the summer and Uni-Mount
Bohemian Football Club the primary user over the winter.
46.
AUCC and Auckland Cricket have discussed shared
use arrangements in the event the proposed development proceeds. Should the
licence and leases be granted, Auckland Cricket would formalise an agreement
with AUCC to document the terms of a facility-sharing arrangement.
47.
Auckland Cricket’s proposed domestic usage
will only have implications over the summer. This specifically applies to 10 to
13 Saturday fixtures on Cricket Block B, with a maximum of 32 playing days
across the season. These will cover Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy, Super Smash
and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield fixtures.
48.
The remainder of the summer allocation allows
for full access for the AUCC.
49.
There are three winter sports fields currently
within the proposed field upgrade (see Figure 3 below).
Figure 3: Current winter sports field layout for Cricket Block B
50.
The two football fields (fields three and four)
are used by Uni-Mount Bohemian Football Club for community football on the
weekends only. The third field (field five) is a junior field which is only
used sporadically.
51.
The design plan outlined in Figure 1 shows the
retention of one football field.
52.
Given the lack of lighting, the fields are not currently used for mid-week
fixtures or training. The proposed development (specifically the main oval
upgrades and supporting infrastructure) will limit future development for
lighting upgrades as these may need to be confined to the periphery of the oval.
53.
The recontouring of embankments will also change
the configuration of the football fields. The current fields have a
North-to-South orientation, and under the proposal the retained football field
will change to an East-to-West profile. The final layout will be confirmed
during the approval of the final construction plans which is recommended as a
condition of the approval.
54.
The user groups listed in Table 3 have been
consulted and have provided feedback in relation to Auckland Cricket’s
proposal.
Table
3:
|
User group
|
Feedback
|
|
Auckland Rugby
|
Auckland
Rugby noted several benefits for rugby, including increased users through the
park with the potential of a captured market to bring more people into rugby.
Auckland
Rugby also noted opportunities to increase club room revenue and engagement
in the game, and the upgrades making Colin Maiden Park a sports destination
for multiple sports users. There is concern that the potential conversion of
field six from rugby/Australian Football League (AFL) to football, as part of
any field loss mitigation, may hinder the growth and development of the
women's game.
|
|
Auckland University Cricket Club
|
While any upgrades
will add value to the park, they may also place pressure on field access and
available resources. The club is supportive of the proposal but anticipates
some potential teething issues during the early stages of implementation.
The club noted that
it would be beneficial to establish clear delineation between the areas
managed by Auckland Cricket and those operated by AUCC.
|
|
Eastern
Suburbs Association Football Club
|
Not concerned as the club only use the
area in the morning on occasion. Retaining access to the toilets and changing
rooms will be important.
|
|
Ellerslie Association Football Club (AFC)
|
Ellerslie AFC are
not significant users of the area and can adapt to any changes. The long-term
benefits are expected to outweigh any short-term disruptions.
|
|
Uni-Mount
Bohemian Football Club
|
Supportive
of the proposal, provided the club can retain access to toilets and changing
rooms.
|
|
Eastern Blues AFL Club
|
Pleased to see that
AFL will remain at the site. Continued access to facilities and appropriate
storage for goalposts are important considerations, as they contribute
positively to the overall sports hub environment at Colin Maiden Park.
|
Provisioning analysis
Winter sports fields
55.
The 2023 Sports Supply and Needs Study (SANS) identified
a shortfall of lit sports fields in the Ōrākei Local Board area, and
that it may require additional field lighting in the future to meet projected
demand.
56.
The Meadowbank–St Johns census block,
within which the park is located, has no surplus capacity projected to 2033.
There are no existing fields within the local board area that can absorb a
potential reduction in field capacity if access is restricted due to
redevelopment or code changes.
57.
A review of the community sport provision for
Colin Maiden Park undertaken in September 2024 found that Colin Maiden Park
accounts for 22 per cent of the total winter sports field capacity within the
Ōrākei Local Board area.
58.
While there is no impact arising from the summer
sport provisioning under Auckland Cricket’s proposed development (Auckland
Cricket already holds the field allocations), there is potentially an impact on
winter codes. The review noted that introducing high-performance cricket would
displace some community sport use, particularly in the winter season.
59.
High-performance or professional sport played at
community parks typically alters the character and layout of open space, which
can reduce accessibility and amenity for general park users. Features such as
fencing for ticketed access, television broadcasting infrastructure and space
for commercial activity, are not typical of community parks.
60.
Conversely, there are benefits to professional
or organised cricket being played in local parks. It encourages casual
spectatorship, increases park use and supports social connection. This is particularly
prevalent in culturally diverse communities where cricket is widely followed.
The investment in improved cricket facilities could also stimulate local
economies by drawing in participants and spectators.
61.
Current shortfalls, independent of the proposal,
are expected to increase over the next ten years as the population grows, for
the Ōrākei Local Board area projections show:
· A shortfall of 89 football training hours per week, with provision
meeting only 79 per cent of demand
· A shortfall in floodlit football fields increasing from 115 to 178
hours per week, meeting just over 50 per cent of projected demand.
62.
The review identified that there is capacity
within the local board area to meet most of the current winter community field
demands. Demand is, however, expected to increase over the next ten years due
to population growth. Significant investment will be required to mitigate the
loss of potential sports field capacity in the future.
Summer sports fields
63.
Existing summer field layouts are largely
unaffected by the proposal. Access may however be restricted during the initial works programme, particularly during the
upgrade of the main oval. This would preclude cricket being played over
a single season to allow for the works to be completed. It will also require
minimal usage over the winter season to promote turf growth and the grass to
establish. Previous planning identified that with Auckland Cricket’s
input into scheduling, the impact on AUCC can be minimised.
Council’s assessment of offset requirements
64.
While Auckland Cricket’s proposal retains
one full sized football field, council staff anticipate that Cricket B Block
will have minimal community use following the development. Council staff
have advised that the proposal could result in the loss of approximately 30 to
45 hours of weekly community sport access across the three existing unlit sand
carpet fields. This equates to approximately 15 hours per week per field during
the winter season.
65.
In response, Auckland Council’s Parks and
Community Facilities team has undertaken a high-level assessment of potential
field network offsets to mitigate the projected shortfall. It is expected that current
users can be accommodated within the existing network.
66.
A key condition for any development agreement
will be that Auckland Council is satisfied that an agreed solution is in place
to mitigate the projected loss of 30 to 45 hours of weekly community sports
field capacity.
Design considerations and visual impact
67.
The local board has expressed concern regarding
the visual impact of the Cravo structure, given its scale and prominence within
the park.
68.
The proposal was reviewed by council’s
landscape design team who believe the existing large specimen trees provide
softening to the dominant form of the building. The landscape team have
suggested additional planting, and the need for suitable lighting along the
eastern and northern edges, due to the structure’s proximity to a
neighbouring building. This will mitigate any concerns from a Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design (CPTED) perspective.
Occupancy
69.
The initial works cover three distinct areas to
be used by Auckland Cricket: the main oval (Cricket Block B), the site proposed
for the Cravo and the office block. It is proposed that Auckland Cricket will
be granted a licence for the use of the main oval, and separate leases for the
Cravo and office block.
70.
These agreements will be subject to the
conditions outlined in Table 1, including a mitigation for the loss of field
provisioning, confirmation of funding, regulatory approvals, and council
approval of detailed design, plans and specifications. Occupancy rights
(licence and leases) will only be granted following satisfactory completion of
the relevant works, with key commercial terms outlined in Table 2, such as
rental amounts and terms, subject to final local board approval.
71.
Given the level of investment, the
recommendations are to secure long-term occupation with the proposed term of ten
years, with one ten-year right of renewal. The term aligns with lease terms for
community groups who have invested in and constructed buildings on council
land. The local board, however, may choose to vary from these recommendations
as it deems appropriate.
72.
The terms are to run concurrently to effect
expiry of the separate licence and lease agreements on the same date. As such,
the staged development may result in some terms being shorter to ensure
alignment of the expiry dates. This ensures that occupation of the separate
parts are consistent, and that any future decision on tenure considers the
entirety of the development.
Main oval
upgrade
73.
The main oval (Cricket Block B) will remain
non-exclusive with seasonal allocations for both cricket and football. This
approach aligns with the local board’s directive to preserve shared use
of the oval, ensuring its availability for winter codes during the cricket
off-season.
74.
Auckland Cricket has committed to maintaining
the main oval following its upgrade. This will help ensure a high-quality
playing surface year-round and reduce the need for seasonal restoration. The
maintenance obligations will be formalised in a licence agreement, including
provisions that support continued winter sports use.
75.
As part of the maintenance and field transition
across seasons, the Cricket Block B will need to be closed completely for two
weeks in spring and autumn, to allow for the transition of codes and maintaining
of the asset turfgrass effectively.
Cravo
76.
The land that the Cravo training facility is
developed on (approximately 1,450m2) is proposed to be subject to a
ground lease. Auckland Cricket will have exclusive possession of this facility
and will be responsible for all ongoing maintenance, operational and capital
costs.
Office
building
77.
A building assessment report dated 7 August
2024, identifies the building as being in average condition commensurate with
its age. The report recommends minor maintenance to joinery, ceiling tiles and
cleaning of gutters. Exterior cladding and painting renewal is recommended as
part of a longer-term renewal programme.
78.
Auckland Cricket expects to invest approximately
$1 million into the building fit-out. The fit out will comprise of open plan
office spaces and meeting rooms, upgrades to facilities and the establishment
of gym facilities, with ancillary services such as a physio clinic.
79.
Auckland Cricket will consider the occupancy of
the first-floor office space as part of its longer-term development. This could
include partnering with similar sporting organisations seeking to co-locate. As
this stage, the staff recommendation is to regularise the occupancy of the
ground floor and explore future opportunities under a separate agreement. This
will afford the council the ability to lease directly to other third parties as
opposed to a sub-lease arrangement.
Options
80.
Table 4 outlines the options for the local
board.
Table 4:
Option
|
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
Mitigations
|
Option A Grant an agreement to
licence and agreements to lease for the upgrade of the main cricket oval, the
construction of the Cravo and the office fit-out
|
|
The
longer-term development of new change rooms and club rooms for AUCC will
require more detail on the funding and design plans.
|
The
new club rooms and change rooms for AUCC is contingent on Auckland Cricket
supplying detailed funding, design and construction plans.
|
Option B Grant approval for the
full development
|
Provides
certainty for Auckland Cricket to pursue the full proposal.
|
The
longer-term development of new change rooms and club rooms for AUCC lacks
funding clarity and development plans.
|
The new
club rooms and change rooms for AUCC is contingent on Auckland Cricket
supplying detailed funding, design and construction plans.
|
Option C Do not grant
approval for the full or partial development
|
Status
quo retained.
|
Loss
of potential upgrades to cricket facilities, maintenance of the Cricket Block
B, and long-term tenancy of the vacant office building. In addition, the opportunity
to partner with a regional sports body with direct benefits to the local
board area and Auckland region will not be realised.
|
|
81.
Staff from Parks and Community Facilities
recommend option A.
82.
Auckland Cricket’s proposed development
would see facilities within Colin Maiden Park revitalised and upgraded at
little to no cost to the local board or ratepayers. Additionally, having the
presence of Auckland Cricket within the precinct accords with the Colin Maiden
Park Precinct Master Plan to create a regionally significant sports precinct
delivering high performance programmes alongside Auckland Hockey, Auckland
Netball, Oceania Football Confederation and Auckland Tennis.
83.
Auckland Cricket has in its
application demonstrated its ability to deliver the projected work, undertake
the required maintenance and activate the park. It is well governed and has a
clear strategy on developing domestic cricket within the local board area and
Auckland region.
Other approvals required
Heritage Authority from Heritage New
Zealand Pouhere Taonga
84.
There are archaeological sites located at Colin
Maiden Park. Auckland Cricket will need to have their project earthworks
archaeologically assessed and may require a Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
(HNZPT) authorisation to undertake any earthworks. This is unless the HNZPT
determines that one is not required. Auckland Cricket will need to contact
HNZPT to present the project and undertake any requirements that HNZPT deems
necessary under the HNZPT Act.
Closed
Landfill Asset Owner Approval
85.
Colin Maiden Park is a closed landfill, and any
invasive works within the park may trigger the requirement for an Asset Owner
Approval from the Closed Landfill Team. Auckland Cricket will need to consult
with Auckland Council’s Closed Landfill Team regarding requirements for
working on the Closed Landfill.
Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi
Climate impact statement
86.
To improve environmental outcomes and mitigate
climate change impacts, the council advocates that the lessee:
· seeks opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
lease-related activities and building design plans
· uses sustainable waste, energy, and water efficiency systems
· uses eco labelled products and services
· includes any other outcomes that will improve environmental outcomes
and mitigate climate change impacts.
87.
All measures taken are aimed at meeting
council’s climate goals, as set out in Te
Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, which are:
· to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to reach net zero emissions by
2050
· to prepare the region for the adverse impacts of climate change.
88.
The area of Colin Maiden Park proposed for the
indoor cricket facility development is not subject to either coastal inundation
or within an identified flood plain.
Ngā whakaaweawe me
ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera
Council group impacts and views
89. The listed internal council specialists provided feedback in
relation to the application. All specialists have reviewed the proposed application,
and a summary of the feedback is noted in Table 5.
Table 5: Summary of council specialist’s feedback
|
Council Specialist
|
Feedback
|
|
Parks
and Places Specialist
|
Does
not oppose the proposal, however the
expectations and support for local sport should be clear, including the wider
service outcomes for this significant local park.
|
|
Facilities Manager
|
No objections to the application.
|
|
Senior
Maintenance Delivery Co-Ordinator, Sports Parks
|
Does
not oppose the proposal. If the site is intended for domestic cricket only,
the site could maintain a multi-sport model that supports both cricket and
football, which is feasible within current constraints and sport code
sharing. Would require the area to be closed completely for two weeks in
spring and autumn, to allow the turf team to transition codes and maintain
asset turfgrass effectively. Would require conditions about maintaining
existing community access.
|
|
Area Operations Manager
|
No objections to the application. Would need to work with
Auckland Cricket to develop a maintenance agreement.
|
|
Principal
Design Open Space
|
Does
not oppose the proposal. Believes that if full sized winter fields are lost,
that the area could still be used for junior fields and/or general training
spaces.
Has
suggested some conditions for the approval:
· Fields should be constructed to Parks
and Community Facilities best practice and guidelines including irrigation,
drainage and approved controllers.
· Final design to be approved by the council.
A concrete pad should be provided for football goal storage in summer.
· Any lighting installed should be
designed for the football fields as well and to the applicable standards.
· Energy and water usage will need to be
minimised in line with Auckland Council objectives. Projected costs and
responsibilities will need to be confirmed for utilities.
|
|
Principal Sports Parks Advisor
|
The proposal requires mitigation of the loss of community sport winter
capacity in the Ōrākei Local Board area to maintain the network
provision levels. Loss of future development potential for winter community
sport is noted and should be considered.
|
|
Manager
Event Facilitation
|
To hold
ticketed events (i.e. for Super Smash T20 games) Auckland Cricket would need
to apply for event permits for each event. The events facilitator would work
with the applicant regarding the event requirements and would look to permit
as a series to simplify the process.
|
|
Service and Asset Planning Specialist
|
The draft LPMP places a management focus on organised
sport and supports the park’s continued development as a
high-performance sporting precinct, and a base for major sporting codes and
events at both community and high-performance levels.
A future masterplan could help articulate a new vision
for the park based on community and stakeholder consultation.
|
|
Principal
Advisor Strategic Programmes
|
Supportive of Auckland Cricket re-locating from Eden Park to Colin Maiden
Park. It aligns strongly with
the investment priorities outlined in council’s Stadium Investment Objectives and optimising
the use of regional assets. Colin Maiden Park’s
proximity to public transport options, including both bus and rail, provides
good accessibility to the venue.
The proposal delivers a fit for purpose cricket ground that
requires little to no cost to the ratepayer.
|
90.
The proposed agreements have no identified
impact on other parts of the council group. The views of council-controlled
organisations were not required for the preparation of this report’s
advice.
Ngā whakaaweawe
ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe
Local impacts and local board views
91.
The proposal aligns with the Ōrākei
Local Board Plan 2023 and its aspirations to establish multi-use sport
facilities. In particular, it accords with the following plan outcomes:
· Our Community: To
find creative ways to provide facilities and services for the community and
connect communities through sports
· Our Places: Create
spaces that are well used, inviting and attractive. To enable services and
activities that enhance identity, connect people and support Aucklanders to
participate in community and civic life.
92.
The Auckland Sport and Recreation: Strategic
Action Plan 2014 – 2024 outlines Auckland’s Sport and Recreation
strategy. The vision is to create opportunities for ‘Aucklanders to be
more active, more often’. This overarching goal highlights the importance
of providing a network of fit-for purpose facilities that encourage
participation, enable physical activity, recreation and sport at all levels.
This aligns with the management intentions for Colin Maiden Park, as identified
and consulted on in the draft LPMP.
93.
The proposed upgrades will provide access to the
local community to participate and spectate in domestic cricket games and will
provide pathways for grassroot cricket development. This will also contribute
to broader benefits in attracting investment and opportunities to get
Aucklanders engaged in sporting and recreational activity more often.
94.
The proposal has the support of Auckland Cricket’s
16 community clubs, and that of the Auckland Aces and the Auckland Hearts.
95.
New Zealand Cricket has also expressed its
support for the proposal and will be contributing approximately $1.7 million of
funding for the high-performance all-weather Cravo facility.
96.
The Eden Park Trust Board has provided its
support for Auckland Cricket to relocate domestic cricket from Eden Park to
Colin Maiden Park. Eden Park will continue to host all formats of international
cricket.
97.
Council staff have identified and consulted with
groups likely to be impacted by the proposal. This included the current user
groups as reflected in paragraph 55.
Tauākī whakaaweawe
Māori
Māori impact statement
98.
Auckland Council is committed to meeting its
responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which are outlined in
council’s key strategic planning documents; the Auckland Plan, the Long-term
Plan 2024-2034, the Unitary Plan, Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau and local board
plans.
99.
Leases within parks and reserves support a wide
range of activities and groups. Leases are awarded based on an understanding of
local needs, interests and priorities. The activities and services provided by
leaseholders create benefits to Māori and the wider community through
representation and participation as well as health and well-being.
100.
Iwi engagement took place in 2022 to inform the
development of the LPMP.
101.
Auckland Cricket are in the early stages of
building a relationship with Ngāti Pāoa and intend to engage with
them throughout the design and development of the overall facility.
Ngā ritenga
ā-pūtea
Financial implications
102.
Auckland Cricket have provided audited accounts
in support of its application. It generates on average $5.7 million of revenue,
with an operating surplus before depreciation of $75,000. It has funding
reserves with no contingent liabilities.
103.
The agreement to re-develop and licence and the
agreements to lease will enable the commencement of the initial works (subject
to the relevant conditions being satisfied). Construction and ongoing
maintenance costs of the initial works will be borne by Auckland Cricket.
104.
The total estimated project cost is $22.36
million, as outlined in Table 6 below.
Table 6: Total Estimated Project Costs
for Full Proposed Development
Funding sources
105.
Funding will be sourced from a combination of
contributions from Auckland Cricket, the Eden Park Trust Board, New Zealand
Cricket, and a range of community and commercial fundraising streams.
106.
Auckland Cricket has developed a comprehensive
funding strategy, which targets $7.4 million in external investment for the
changing room and function building upgrades, and the new change rooms and
clubrooms for AUCC. Potential funding sources include Lottery Grants Board,
gaming and community trusts, corporate partnerships and community fundraising.
Confirmed funding
107.
New Zealand Cricket has confirmed $1.7 million,
and Auckland Cricket has confirmed $500,000, with over $250,000 already
committed.
Pending and
unsecured funding
108.
Auckland Cricket is in discussions with the Eden
Park Trust Board regarding the Trust’s support for the relocation and
development at Colin Maiden Park. This would provide greater flexibility in the
use and management of Eden Park’s Outer Oval. Any funding will be
contingent on Auckland Cricket securing a long-term right to occupy and use
Colin Maiden Park.
109.
The approval of the proposed
leases will commit the Ōrākei Local Board to the costs and
corresponding financial benefits over the 10-year term of the lease. There will
be no ongoing financial cost to the local board except for the continued maintenance
of the council owned building. However, the costs of maintenance will be offset
by the rental revenue derived under the lease. The revenue is yet to be
determined.
110.
With Auckland Cricket taking
over the maintenance of the oval, this would free up operational funding for
the local board. This arrangement would be documented in the licence and is
expected to commence once the oval is fully upgraded. This is expected to be
completed by no later than December 2027.
111.
The sports provisioning
assessment requirement will identify the need for funding to develop other
sports parks and fields to mitigate the impacts on community sport. There is no
funding available in the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 to support mitigation works,
but local board capital funding could be reprioritised for development of the
other sites. This would form part of any agreement to address and mitigate the
loss of 30 to 45 hours of weekly future network capacity.
Ngā raru tūpono me
ngā whakamaurutanga
Risks and mitigations
112. A summary of the risks and mitigations is summarised in Table 7.
Table 7: Risks and mitigations
|
Risk
|
Level
|
Mitigation
|
|
Development not completed due to an inability to secure full
funding
|
Moderate
|
Auckland Cricket have identified funding sources and are in active
discussions with funders. A condition of the approval will be to require
Auckland Cricket to secure full funding prior to any works being undertaken
for any given component of the development.
|
|
Complexity of delivering a staged development over an extended
period
|
Moderate
|
The new change and club rooms for AUCC are subject to further
planning, detailed design and assessment.
|
113.
If the local board declines to support the
proposal, Auckland Cricket will be unable to proceed with developing a fit-for-purpose
home for domestic cricket in Auckland at Colin Maiden Park. For the local
board, this would result in the loss of proposed facility upgrades and
third-party investment at the park.
114.
Additionally, as noted in paragraph 22, the
Ōrākei Local Board area has the highest
number of registered cricket teams in Auckland who would also be impacted by
this decision. At a regional level, there would
continue to be sub-optimal facilities for domestic cricket in Auckland, and a
tension between driving revenue generating activity at Eden Park and providing
for Auckland Cricket’s legacy rights.
115.
Given the risks outlined in this report, staff
recommend granting of the agreement to re-develop and licence and agreements to
lease subject to the conditions specified.
Ngā koringa ā-muri
Next steps
116.
Should the local board resolve to grant approval
for the development, council staff will work with Auckland Cricket to
negotiate, draft and finalise the agreement to redevelop and licence, and the
agreements to lease, in line with the local board’s decision.
Ngā tāpirihanga
Attachments
|
No.
|
Title
|
Page
|
|
a⇩
|
Structural Drawings for A-Frame Retractable Roof
Greenhouse (Cravo) (dated 21 May 2021)
|
29
|
|
b⇩
|
Colin Maiden Park - Sketch Design - Proposed Auckland
Cricket Floor Plan (dated 19 September 2024)
|
43
|
|
c⇩
|
AUCC Cricket Pavilion (dated 25 September 2024)
|
45
|
Ngā kaihaina
Signatories
|
Authors
|
Santha Brown - Programme Manager
Yusuf Khan - Manager Leasing
|
|
Authorisers
|
Kim O’Neill - Head of Property & Commercial
Business
Megan Tyler - Director Policy, Planning and Governance
Tristan Coulson - Local Area Manager
|
