The demolition of an aging grandstand will increase the crowd capacity at the home of the ASB Classic, ahead of next year's tennis tournament and bring the venue in line with international requirements.

A grant from Auckland Council's Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund will allow Tennis Auckland to demolish the Robinson Grandstand at the southern end of the arena on Stanley street, which is one step towards getting a long-debated roof for centre court.

The Robinson Grandstand, built in 1962, has "come to the end of its useful life" and will be replaced with a removable grandstand in place in time for the ASB Classic on 5 January, 2026.

The new removable structure will allow the tournament organisers to ensure the Manuka Doctor Arena - formerly the ASB Tennis Centre - meets updated requirements from world tennis governing bodies WTA and ATP.

In recent times, the ASB Classic has received dispensation to host the tournament due to the courts not meeting minimum court size and capacity for spectators also falling short of the minimum requirements.

ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said the new stand, like those used in UK tournaments including the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, will be a significant positive development for the tournament.

"We have had dispensation on minimum court size, but this has become challenging," Lamperin said.

"We also need the extra capacity and the planned grandstand will provide an excellent addition for fans at the tournament. I am sure it will help attract some players and will be well received by all players."

Work will start immediately on the demolition of the Robinson Stand, with council funding combined with a grant from Grassroots Trust.

The court extension would allow for the potential to host other sports events, including basketball, netball, volleyball and beach volleyball.

Tennis Auckland chief executive officer Rohan West said the new stand would accommodate seating to ensure the arena meets the ATP criteria and had the flexibility to offer a range of options from standard seats to high-end padded seats.

West said Tennis Auckland was working "diligently" on its vision of a roof for the centre court, with the new grandstand part of that overall concept.

"The ASB Classic is the largest driver of economic growth on Auckland's event calendar," West said.

"Our overall vision for the Manuka Doctor Arena is a crucial way for the ASB Classic to compete against competition from more modern venues in Australia, Asia and the Middle East."