Behind-the-scenes moves for the re-development of Eden Park have begun after the stadium’s managing trust opened planning hearings in Auckland.
The 100-year-old venue is set to host final of the Rugby World Cup in 2011 after plans for a new development on Auckland’s waterfront fell through last week.
Should the Eden Park Trust receive resource consent, the existing west stand terraces will be demolished next year to begin a multi-million dollar refurbishment ahead of the tournament.
The Eden Park Trust Board said in a statement: "They [the west stand terraces] are the main contributor to existing noise and light-spill concerns for the community.
"By completing the new east stand first, the redevelopment will provide a measurable benefit to the community early in the project.
"Redevelopment of the west stand will result in the upgrading of the stadium as a whole, culminating in a world-class venue for New Zealand.
"If consents could be obtained for replacing the south stand and making minimal changes to other areas of the ground then the trust board would consider this option, albeit that it would be a sub-optimal option."
The government will announce its financial planning for the venue on December 13.
