The Queensland Government has announced that it is to provide $15 million to the project to reconfigure Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium as a high-performance training venue, matching monies pledged last year by the Federal Government.
With the Queensland Government’s Stadiums Queensland Taskforce Final Report having recommended in late 2018 that the venue be demolished, the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has sought to have the 18,000-capacity Stadium redeveloped as a new National Rugby Training Centre.
QRU has also suggested that the venue, in the Brisbane suburb of Herston, could be used as a training venue for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and as the host venue for hockey events in Brisbane’s candidature to host the 2032 Olympic Games is successful.
Commenting on the funding commitment, Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Rob Clarke stated “it's great … regarding the future development of Ballymore and we thank the Palaszczuk Government for their continued support of our game."
While Super Rugby and internationals won’t return to the venue, Clarke advised “the National Rugby Training Centre development at Ballymore would be transformational for rugby in Australia, securing a new home for our women's 15-a-side program and a world class facility for the Qantas Wallabies ahead of Test matches in south east Queensland.”
Architecture and design firm Blight Rayner had been lined up to work on the project.
Images: Concepts for the redesign of Ballymore Stadium. Courtesy of Blight Rayner.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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