In July 2025, a bid for a stadium at Western Springs<\/a> led by Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams, who have a smaller share of Auckland FC ownership, was scrapped and proposals were withdrawn.<\/p>\n The now-axed Auckland Arena plan<\/a> was estimated to cost between $200 million and $300m to build.<\/p>\n At the time, investors said the process to deliver the project on public land in Auckland had \u201cunique challenges\u201d as well as \u201cextended timelines and complexities\u201d, prompting investors to pull the plug.<\/p>\n Before the meeting with Becker, officials also told Watts \u201cAuckland FC is likely to advocate for improved facilities and support for community clubs\u201d, as grassroots participation in football grows. It was noted this would align with broader Government objectives to increase participation in physical activity.<\/p>\n Officials advised Watts that Sport NZ has been leading a national sport facilities strategy, which will develop guidelines around improving co-ordination between Government agencies on infrastructure, but said the strategy is \u201con hold and will be revisited in the next parliamentary term\u201d.<\/p>\n The briefing said Auckland FC had \u201cstrong attendance figures\u201d as well as on-pitch success, which demonstrates \u201cthe potential for major sporting events to attract large crowds<\/a> and create vibrant city experiences\u201d.<\/p>\n Officials also told Watts the club\u2019s success has had a broader impact beyond sport, \u201ccontributing to the city\u2019s events calendar, supporting hospitality and local businesses, and building a sense of regional identity and pride\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe club\u2019s fixtures and finals series have created major events attracting tens of thousands of attendees, as well as additional public viewing opportunities and celebrations across the city,\u201d Watts was told.<\/p>\n Watts told Newstalk ZB he met with Auckland FC to congratulate the team on a successful run to the A-League championship in their second season.<\/p>\nArtist’s impression of a proposed redevelopment of Western Springs Stadium that was withdrawn.<\/p>\n