They argued the public supported the speedway staying at the historic venue, while their social media page detailed plans for new attractions, like a museum and gym, to make the site financially viable.
However, today the group said the court’s decision had come out and “unfortunately we were unsuccessful”.
“The law and what is right are not always the same,” the group said in an update to social media.
“Thank you to everyone who joined the fight to save the history and future of our sport. It was always worth fighting for.”
The Western Springs Speedway Association has posted on social media saying they were unsuccessful in their legal challenge but thanked supporters. Photo / WSSA
Auckland Council said it was pleased the court had backed the councillors’ vote.
Nick Hill, chief executive of council’s event group Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said he welcomed the court’s decision.
“We continue to develop Western Springs Bowl as a summer music venue and boutique sport stadium for the benefit of Aucklanders,” he said.
The council was now building a stage that would be used during the coming summer concert season.
The WSSA filed for an urgent injunction to halt the works when the redevelopment of the site first began
They accused the council of “breathtaking arrogance” for starting building work before the High Court legal challenge into the validity of ending speedway racing had been released.
The group’s injunction bid also failed.
Construction crews pour concrete over a section of the former Western Springs Speedway track during early works for Auckland Council’s Western Springs Bowl project. Photo / Simon Laird
Councillor John Watson, a staunch supporter of Western Springs Speedway, said at the time the council was displaying “pretty despicable behaviour”.
Speedway supporter Simon Laird also said that seeing construction begin at Western Springs was “heartbreaking”.
Fans had remained hopeful that the judicial review would succeed, and the speedway could return to its traditional home.
“We’re not giving up. Western Springs has a long history with speedway, and we believe it’s worth fighting for.”
Speedway events were held at Western Springs for more than 90 years.
While council voted in 2024 to relocate the speedway, they separately voted 15-6 in March this year to press ahead with the Western Springs Bowl – a proposal to transform the stadium into a Hollywood Bowl-inspired concert venue.
The decision seemed to confirm speedway would not return to the venue, despite the fight from supporters.
It’s estimated that $2.5 million of public funding would be required to build a permanent stage structure and for other upgrades to the stadium. That would come out of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s existing budget.
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