Hopes for a purpose-built stadium for the Wellington Phoenix have received a fatal blow on Wednesday after the Hutt City Council voted unanimously against the Petone Arena proposal.
The council - which would have had to stump up $25 million - says that after canvassing residents there isn't enough community support for the 12,000-seat stadium.
Phoenix owners unveiled plans for the stadium in February, which was slated to cost between $44m and $48m.
It was to be built on the existing Petone Recreation Ground, shifting matches away from the 35,000-seat Westpac Stadium on Wellington's waterfront, where the Phoenix lose money each time they play.
Phoenix general manager David Dome said the decision was disappointing, but didn't signal the end of the club's expansion strategy.
He said Phoenix fans want to see their team play in a stadium more suited to their needs, instead of playing at Westpac Stadium by default.
Club co-owner Gareth Morgan has previously said the team loses money each time they play at the stadium, but make money when they play in Napier, Dunedin, Auckland or Christchurch.
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