Plans to spend up to A$70M ($53.8M) on a "boutique cricket oval for test matches at Western Springs" has received a "knock back" from Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, according to Bernard Orsman of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Goff said that a "world-class cricket stadium would be an asset" for Auckland "but it's not at the top of my priorities." He said, "Regional Facilities Auckland needs to put together its business case for council to consider, but funding at the level speculated on is not available at present." The council's regional facilities arm is looking to spend up to A$70M to turn Western Springs into a test cricket oval and AFL venue -- "a year after saying it could build a cricket oval" for A$12M. Regional Facilities Auckland CEO Chris Brooks said that the original A$12M was for an int'l cricket oval and there was "potential to fully develop the site with lighting, corporate box facilities and possibly some covered seating." Brooks has "also hinted at competing with Eden Park for T20 and one-day cricket matches at Western Springs," which could have a capacity for 23,000-25,000 spectators. He said, "Clearly you wouldn't take anything up (to council) for a major development that is based on one or two test matches." New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said that the organization "views the development of a viable test venue in Auckland as a priority" (NZ HERALD, 2/21).