A $54 million redevelopment of Browne Park in Rockhampton is getting closer to kick-off with the Queensland Government announcing a major funding boost, unveiling artist impressions of the new western grandstand and the full site masterplan of the stadium.
The Queensland Government has more than doubled the initial election commitment made in 2020 to account for significant escalations in the building industry and supply chain issues, site challenges like water and sewerage upgrades, and the need to meet professional sport requirements to host games including NRL.
The Stage 1 works involve:
- building a contemporary three-level 3,500-seat grandstand featuring a timber structured roof,
- four universally designed change rooms
- public amenities,
- food and beverage outlets,
- media and coach facilities, corporate areas, a function room and broadcast facilities, and offices for the Central Queensland Capras and QRL; and
- increasing ground capacity from 5,000 to 7,000.
Early demolition works of the existing 750-seat Jack Crow Stand are scheduled to commence mid this year and the main construction works to begin later in 2023.
Construction works are expected to support more than 170 local jobs, are anticipated to be complete ahead of the 2025 rugby league season, subject to weather, and labour and materials availability.
Locals will also be able to have their say on the full site master plan during Infrastructure Designation public consultation in coming months.
The procurement process for a Head Contractor will commence in the coming months.
Upon completion of all stages of the master plan, the full ground capacity will double to 10,000.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $54 million investment is a game changer for Rockhampton and will bring big NRL games to the region and create a state-of-the-art home for sports in Central Queensland.
“This project also has enormous potential to put Rockhampton on the global map for international team training on the runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Not only will this redevelopment create 170 jobs during construction, but it will generate a pipeline of ongoing opportunities for the entire region.”
