Importantly, it will be fully ICC compliant and have long boundaries. Apart from its lack of atmosphere and concrete jungle feel, the tiny distances to the boundary are a major negative at Eden Park. The ground always had some short boundaries, but since the redesign are ridiculously lean and compromise the integrity of long-standing cricket records.
The RFA have already begun work on transforming Western Springs. Part of it is a necessary upgrade - a $2.5 million project to put terracing into the steep grassed embankment, which will be completed by January for the second half of the upcoming speedway season.
The redevelopment will involve installing fixed seating on the existing concrete terraces.
Domm envisages a festival-type atmosphere during a test match.
"It could be a highlight on the calendar," Domm said. "With the park next to the lake, you could set up a whole bunch of temporary infrastructure and have music and market stalls. AFL has also indicated they are very interested in the venue."
Auckland Cricket were originally opposed to the concept when it was mooted two years ago but are now supportive of the idea.
"We are probably a sport that is never in a hurry," Auckland Cricket chief executive Mark Cameron said. "We think Western Springs would fit the niche in terms of test cricket and some domestic games and is obviously a perfect setting. It's a realistic size - that we just don't have in Auckland - which makes it very attractive to us."
Cameron also points out that Auckland are the only major association in the country without a second first-class ground. While pleased with the direction of the RFA's strategy, they would need a greater level of detail before reaching any formal commitment.
"How often could we use it? How many concerts would there be? What access rights could we have? What about the level of infrastructure? There are many elements that need to be resolved."
The strategy also hinges on speedway moving out. Speedway promoter Bill Buckley is now open to a move, albeit with a heavy heart. He realises the stringent conditions imposed by the resource management act make it increasingly difficult to run speedway at The Springs, renowned as one of the best circuits in the world. The sport would have much more flexibility at Mt Smart, even if the size and shape is not nearly as suitable.
However, that's contingent on the Warriors exiting Penrose, which seems no closer to happening, especially after the increasingly public debate of the last few weeks.
Maybe speedway could find a different home - neither Western Springs nor Mt Smart - but there are no obvious other venues at this stage.
