As many of you will have seen, there has been a media release to confirm the development of Colin Maiden Park (CMP) as the new home for Auckland Cricket Association (ACA). 
 
This announcement, and the execution of a Foundation Agreement, was the culmination of many years of work and discussions between ACA and AUCC and the local Orakei Board, and recent extensive negotiations involving ACA, Eden Park, Auckland Council and the NZ Government (the Crown). AUCC has during this time actively participated in the process under a Memorandum of Understanding with ACA.
 
The Foundation Agreement was yesterday signed at AUCC’s clubrooms by Auckland Council, the Crown, Eden Park, ACA and Auckland Rugby. This document provides for and enables the development of CMP as the home of cricket in Auckland and for financial contributions to be made by Auckland Council and the Crown to ACA.
 
What does this mean for AUCC?
 
The conclusion of negotiations and the execution of the Foundation Agreement is great news for AUCC. 
 
Whereas ACA had previously proposed an intermittent approach to development to occur in stages over a number of years (due to cashflow constraints), ACA now has available the majority of funds required (estimated to be around $22m) to develop CMP in a continuous manner. 
 
This work will include:
 

• an expanded and reorientated pitch, new outfields and spectator embankments on B Block (the main field in front of our current clubrooms)

• refurbishment of the existing buildings and changing rooms

• installation of an all-weather grass training facility

• the construction of new clubrooms, changing rooms and indoor training facility (ITF) for AUCC.

 
The works to B Block are due to commence imminently. Other works will commence as and when designs are finalised and the required consents are issued. The current timeframe provides for all development works to be completed by December 2027.
 
As to AUCC’s new facilities, these are well into the design stage. We have provided feedback to Apollo Projects, the consultancy firm engaged by ACA, on their initial drawings as to our preferred design changes. We expect there may be further revisions before a final design is submitted for consent.
 
What happens next? 
 
This next phase will be both a challenging and exciting time for the club. 
 
The 2026/27 cricket season will present some issues for us associated primarily with the extent of construction work taking place at CMP and the fact that we will be without our clubrooms and some associated facilities during the transition. We anticipate that our current ITF will remain accessible to our members throughout.
 
We are planning and working closely with ACA to ensure that we have adequate temporary facilities available to members in the period before our new facilities are ready for occupation. As expected, there are likely to be some ‘work arounds’ needed during this time, and we appreciate your patience and support as plans are finalised.
 
Looking ahead
 
Our new facilities will include:
 

• Clubrooms

• Changing rooms

• ITF

 
These new facilities will be located on E Block (the field where our current outdoor nets are located). 
 
When these new structures are complete our members will have access to brand new, fit for purpose and improved facilities as well as upgraded grounds. Our facilities will be located at the heart of the local sporting community, and next door to the home of high performance and first-class cricket in Auckland. 
 
When complete our club will be in a strong position moving forward, with an ability to offer members access to high class training facilities and resources that will enable us to deliver cricket to the local cricketing community.
 
We will update you further in the coming months as the development of CMP progresses and as we iron out and agree further details with ACA. 
 
We thank you all in advance for your support and patience during this transition.