The proposed project was presented at Buchan’s ‘Think Precinct’ event on May 8, where Auckland developers and stakeholders were invited to explore the stadium precinct’s exciting potential. Drawing on the design team’s combined expertise, the conversation highlighted the stadium’s role as just one part of a much broader vision for the city.
International stadium designer and HKS director Andrew Colling shared insights on the evolution of stadiums globally, based on extensive experience in the US and Asia.
Colling said stadiums are no longer stand-alone facilities used only on game days and to host the occasional concert. Community expectations and technology have reshaped the event experience.
“Sporting venues are now in genuine competition for discretionary spending,” noted Colling. “Beyond the game itself, people want pre- and post-game activities, as well as ease of accessibility and safety.”
He said technology has placed new demands on stadium design to cater for events such as the Taylor Swift concert. Ease of travel means major sporting and entertainment events draw audiences from around the region and country, requiring accommodation, dining and transport services and offering great economic potential.
“Stadiums globally have shifted the focus towards sustained economic activation and value generation within the precinct encircling the venue, with the stadium just one element.”
Buchan principal and precincts sector lead Phil Schoutrop emphasised that contemporary stadiums demand a well-crafted precinct masterplan. He said the Te Tōangaroa site was ideally located for regeneration, completing the chain of Wynyard Point, the Viaduct, Britomart and Commercial Bay.
“The new precinct will make a profound and enduring contribution to Auckland’s prosperity and identity,” said Schoutrop, noting the importance of incorporating the area’s rich history and stories. “It will stitch together green spaces and connect the city via commercial, creative, community and cultural uses and users.”
Schoutrop said the stadium precinct would uplift existing residential, education and commercial uses and increase land values.
Representing the consortium, which is led by Jim Doyle and Paul Nisbet of Cenfield MXD, Paul Nisbet reiterated the advantages of the location, with transport on the doorstep and the CBD within easy walking distance for visitors coming to stay in the city centre for events.
The Think Precinct event confirmed that contemporary stadiums have transitioned from sporadically activated venues to become the beating heart of vibrant, healthy neighbourhoods. Optimising land use and leveraging existing amenity, a new stadium at Te Tōangaroa will seed a step change for the city of Auckland and its diverse communities.
Buchan’s Think Precinct event took place on 8 May 2024. You can see more from the evening here.
About Phil Schoutrop
Phil Schoutrop is Principal and Sector Lead – Precincts at global design firm Buchan.
A commercial architect with over 30 years’ experience in the planning and design of retail, entertainment, mixed use and hospitality projects, for the last decade, he has worked on significant local and global integrated developments in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, China, India, and Africa.
Focusing on the urban fabric that binds our communities, his unique design perspective combined with data driven insights and a deep understanding of people and place creates and transforms precincts into thriving and vibrant destinations.
About Andrew Colling
Andrew Colling is a Principal and Director for Australia and New Zealand at HKS.
An Architect, Planner and Project Manager with more than 35 years’ experience throughout Australia and Asia, his specialist expertise is in the design of sport, venue and entertainment architecture. Recent projects include the Tianjin and Chengdu Sports Parks in China and the new Fighters Ballpark in Sapporo, Japan.
