A ROCKHAMPTON sporting venue previously used to stage NRL matches is set to undergo redevelopment following a funding boost of $54 million.
Stage 1 of the redevelopment of Browne Park has been boosted by the funding. Construction is scheduled to begin this year in a project that will create 170 new local jobs.
The initial election commitment from the Labor Government of $25 million in 2020 was more than doubled to $54 million to make upgrades to water and sewerage systems while also meeting professional sport requirements and to meet targets in the building industry.
After hosting a World Cup match in 2008, Browne Park was finally awarded with three NRL games in 2021, including a semi-final between Parramatta and Newcastle, when the competition was stationed in Queensland for the remainder of the season.
It is also currently the home of QLD Cup side Central QLD since last year. Construction works are expected to be completed ahead of the 2025 rugby league season with potential to hold future games following the upgrades.
Stage 1 of the project involves construction of a new contemporary three-level 3500 – seat grandstand (increase from 750 seats). This addition will take the ground capacity to 7,000. Other improvements to the stadium include four universally designed change rooms, food and beverage outlets, public amenities, media and coach facilities, corporate areas and broadcast facilities. The Central Queensland Capras who play out of Browne Park will also receive an office as well as Queensland Rugby League.
The Palaszczuk Government unveiled artist designs for the new western and grandstand, along with the stadium’s full site masterplan. The procurement process for a Head Contractor will commence in the next few months with early demolition of the 750 seat grandstand to begin mid-2023. Following all stages of the masterplan for the venue, the ground capacity will reach 10,000 – double the current amount.
Tourism and sporting minister Stirling Hinchliffe says the upgrade is huge for the region of Central Queensland.
“Browne Park’s upgrade makes Central Queensland even more attractive as a destination for major NRL, rugby and A-league events, as well as concerts and festivals,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government made Browne Park an election commitment because of its ability to super-charge Central Queensland’s economy.
“Every game, every event will add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the visitor economy and that’s great news for local accommodation and hospitality providers and tourism operators.”
