MEDIA RELEASE
16 November 2006

Eden Park puts case at conclusion of resource consent hearing

Eden Park put its case today at the conclusion of the resource consent hearing into its redevelopment plans for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Legal counsel David Kirkpatrick said Eden Park was in an appropriate stadium location. “Eden Park has existed and grown within its neighbourhood over 90 years, in a manner similar to examples of overseas stadiums such as Suncorp, Landsdowne Road and Emirates.”

“It is centrally located, near three arterial roads, and is within walking distance of a double-tracked railway line and two stations.”

Mr Kirkpatrick said a range of views had emerged from the neighbourhood. “Even opponents have shown that there is a recognition of what Eden Park positively represents, and what can be done to make it even better in the future.”

“A number of submitters have suggested that all we should do is meet the bare requirement of 60,000 seats for the 2011 Rugby World Cup as cheaply as possible. That approach would do nothing to improve the range of matters that this application seeks to improve, including reducing noise and light spill.

“In fact, it could cause significant adverse effects. It would not provide a transport hub, and would leave the Terraces in their present state.”

Eden Park Chief Executive John Alexander said Eden Park had always been committed to a public process and to giving submitters for and against the redevelopment an opportunity to have their say.

“Eden Park has consulted extensively with the local community over the last year and it’s great to get to this point,” Mr Alexander said.

“We’ve remained on track and on time, and now look forward to a decision from the Commissioners before the end of January 2007.”

Appearing in support of Eden Park’s application were the New Zealand Rugby Union, the Ministry of Economic Development, Auckland Regional Council, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, the Eden Park Residents’ Association, the Albert-Eden Ratepayers & Residents’ Association and the Auckland City Ratepayers & Residents’ Association, along with a number of individual submitters.

Of the 502 submissions received, 302 were in favour of the redevelopment and 180 opposed.

Mr Alexander said Eden Park’s proposal to complete the stadium bowl and lower the height of the new stands had been positively received by many submitters.

“We’d also like to thank those against the redevelopment for their feedback and for getting involved in the process. We have been impressed with the calibre of verbal submissions and the fact that people have taken time out of their day - often time off work - to make their views known.”

Mr Alexander confirmed that Eden Park would lodge another resource consent application, for a new West Stand to complete the stadium bowl, before the end of 2006.

“This will be a very minor resource consent application.”

“Most of the proposed West Stand is below the 30m height limit already allowed by the Auckland City Council, and as it looks over the number two ground, it has little impact on our neighbours.

“The benefits of including the West Stand in the redevelopment and completing the stadium bowl are significant – for the local community, fans and for the Park’s future.”

“We remain committed to building a world-class stadium that meets not just the IRB’s requirements for the Rugby World Cup, but delivers an overall improvement for the surrounding community.”

Ends

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