Source: Auckland Council
Proposed development at Auckland’s Colin Maiden Park in St Johns will see a new home for domestic cricket and improved facilities for community sport.
Ōrākei Local Board has agreed on the terms of a proposal from Auckland Cricket that will see significant upgrades at the park to support the relocation of its domestic cricket operations.
The work includes a full upgrade of the main oval, the construction of a Cravo – a high-performance, all-weather grass training facility, the refurbishment and fit-out of the vacant office building, construction of supporting infrastructure for the hosting of domestic cricket, and upgrades to existing club and changing rooms.
Longer-term plans also include new multi-sport change rooms and shared club rooms for the Auckland University Cricket Club.
“It’s taken some time to agree on an arrangement that balances the needs of high-performance and community sport,” says Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne.
“But, it’s been worth the wait and we believe this deal is a win-win situation. Auckland Cricket’s investment will deliver high performance and also allow Ōrākei Local Board to upgrade other sports fields in the area earlier than would have otherwise been possible.
“The proposed upgrades will allow Auckland to benefit from a purpose-built venue for cricket, the likes of which Christchurch has enjoyed for many generations at Hagley Park.”
Works are expected to begin on the main oval later this year for Auckland Cricket to be operational at Colin Maiden for the 2026/2027 season.
This arrangement aligns with the Ōrākei Local Board Plan 2023 and its aspirations to establish multi-use sport facilities in this area.
Auckland Cricket will be required to meet all conditions set out by the local board before works commence, including provision for the loss of hours of community sports field use
“This is an important step towards securing a bright future for cricket in Auckland,” says Auckland Cricket Association chief executive Ian Francis.
“There is a lot more work to do – however it is fantastic to have the support of the Local Board for what is an extremely detailed, well-considered plan to transform the existing sporting precinct at Colin Maiden Park into a modern, future-proofed community asset capable of supporting high-performance cricket.”
In addition to providing a fit-for-purpose venue for domestic cricket and enhanced community facilities, the relocation supports a more strategic use of regional assets. It will allow Eden Park to focus on hosting international cricket and major events – a move consistent with Auckland Council’s Stadium Investment Objectives, which aim to optimise infrastructure use, support a network of complementary, multi-use venues, and improve long-term financial sustainability.
Colin Maiden Park 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. The proposed development would further reinforce Colin Maiden Park’s role as a regionally significant sporting precinct.
Auckland Cricket’s proposal is for the use of the park for domestic cricket only, all international cricket formats will remain at Eden Park.
