Locals fear racing club will create 'eyesore'

Ellerslie residents say they sympathise with the local racecourse's economic struggle, but believe the racing club is planning to build an eyesore that will bring no value to the community.

At a meeting last night, a group of 100 residents scrutinised the Auckland Racing Club's plans for rezoning a 300m stretch of land alongside the front straight at Ellerslie racecourse.

The club wants to build a hotel and luxury apartments on the land, which is currently classed as open space.

It reassured residents the developments would be of a good architectural standard and not obtrusive to racing or housing.

Chief executive Chris Weaver said a downturn in stakes and attendances and competition from online bookies meant the club needed to develop to ensure the racecourse was still thriving in 50 years.

"When we first planned to rezone, it was to maintain our premier status as an Australasian player. But now it is more about long-term survival."

Dave Howe, who has lived in the area for 35 years, said: "We realise this is private land and they need money ... But we feel they are taking the easy way out and building something that will increase traffic woes ... It will be an eyesore. It is not exciting ... and doesn't help out the community."

Mr Howe suggested the club increase revenue through staging more events.

But Mr Weaver said he would prefer leasing the land to boost long-term funding for the racecourse, instead of sporadic, unreliable events and festivals.

He pointed people with concerns about traffic to the Auckland City Council, which prompted resident Peter Hines to say the club was "washing its hands of the matter".

Mr Hines added that he was "not unsympathetic" to the club's needs but believed the development plan gave nothing to the community it was based in.