IMPROVED FACILITIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 199, 23 August 1945, Page 6

IMPROVED FACILITIES

EDEN PARK ACCOMMODATION

PROPOSED NEW STANDS

"A tentative scheme providing for the erection of a grandstand which will accommodate 5000 people, and for an increase in the capacity of the ground from 55,000 to 80,000 is under consideration," said the chairman, Mr. A. A. Baker, at last night's meeting- of the Auckland Rugby Union, when referring to proposed improvements at Eden Park. It was resolved to make application to the New Zealand Union for financial assistance to enable the work to be carried out if the proposals were adopted. Mr. Baker said it was regretted that all intending patrons were unable to obtain reserved seats for the North v. South Island match on Saturday. It was admitted that the grandstand accommodation was inadequate. For some time past, however, a sub-committee, set up by the Eden Park Board of Control, and consisting of representatives of the Auckland Cricket Association and the union, had been considering schemes for the erection of a new stand and for an increase in the ground capacity up to 80,000. The board's architect, Mr. D. B. Patterson, was preparing preliminary plans and estimates of the proposed stand, which would seat 5000. It was hoped that the proposals would be completed and approved by the Board of Control in time to enable the work to be put in hand as soon as building conditions permitted.