Markets and sports fields under racecourse tipped for housing
and intensification of housing it makes sense that in anticipation of the industry selling us up, our open space is given a residential zone,” Berkahn said.
She added the club is hopeful it can have an input into any master plan that eventuates out of their submission and supports any future discussions with the community.
“The club recognises what the Avondale community is saying and what should be preserved for West Auckland in relation to its land. The club will never support a situation where a community asset with a 130-plus-year history is transformed into future, urban blight.”
Berkahn said that the jockey club shares the concerns of the community around the potential loss of green space.
“We continue to maintain that a relatively high proportion of Avondale Jockey Club land be retained as open space for sports and recreation.”
With a decision not likely on the future of the racecourse until 2025, for now, both Clow and Amosa say they are trying to get as much information as possible out to the local community on the proposal and what it means for them.
Clow reiterated the possibility of community action in response to any decision that does not consider the interests of the community.
“Community action can take many forms, including reminding councillors and local board members that green space is crucial and we can't let it disappear. Obviously we're going to be trying to influence any decision,” Clow said.
“Some people just don't understand how it might impact them later on in the future and I think by letting people know what's happening now then they'll know how it's going to impact them,” Amosa added.
Racing is currently paused at the track after a fire in December 2023 cut power to the facility. The Avondale Jockey Club says racing is set to return in July.
The racecourse has been plagued by poor attendance and cancelled meetings for the past few years.
“The time to put in submissions was almost 18 months ago, and people are now going ‘hey we didn’t know about that’.” Ross CLow