Eden Park Trust Board welcomes the Government’s evaluation of the best site to develop a stadium suitable for hosting the major games of Rugby World Cup 2011.

“Eden Park’s proposed design fully meets the brief given to us by the bid committee, offers value for money, and is achievable under the tight timeframe. It will offer Auckland and New Zealand a world class stadium long after Rugby World Cup 2011 and Cricket World Cup 2015; however it remains to be seen whether another option is better able to achieve this,” said Eden Park Development Committee Chairman Rob Fisher.

“The evaluation is a similar exercise to that previously undertaken by the Trust Board. The options being evaluated were not available at the time we started the design process,” said Fisher.

Eden Park offers nine hectares of land and approximately $200 million worth of assets that would have to be replaced on a greenfields site, including the ASB and West Stands and a world class turf surface.

Fisher was fully informed of the decision to investigate alternative options by the Minister for Rugby World Cup Hon Trevor Mallard four weeks ago.

“We are on a tight timeframe, with 48 months to go until the new stadium needs to be fully operational. Minister Mallard has asked the Eden Park Trust Board to proceed with the resource consent process while other options are considered,” he said.

Eden Park was chosen by the bid committee to host the major games in the tournament, including the opening game and World Cup Final.

The proposed design developed by the Trust Board fully meets the commitment given to the IRB by the Bid Committee of an upgraded Eden Park with a capacity of 60,000 and a new permanent South Stand. It also offers significant benefits to the local community over the status quo, including containment of effects inside the stadium and enhanced transport management.

“The Trust Board is keen for the final venue to best serve the people of Auckland and New Zealand through improved facilities, integrated transport services and mitigation of effect on the local community into the future.

“The Trust Board is especially mindful of the need to provide the best value for money for potential funders,” said Fisher.

Fisher added that with time running out, Auckland and New Zealand needs to move quickly to ensure readiness for the tournament.

“The opportunities presented by Rugby World Cup are substantial and much more than just a new stadium. We need to make smart and timely decisions to take advantage of these,” he said.

“These opportunities include getting people using public transport, helping grass roots sports, revitalising communities as well as the obvious benefits to the economy through tourism, trade and investment,” he said.