Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Plans revealed to evolve Barlow Park and Cairns Showgrounds into major sporting and events precinct

Plans revealed to evolve Barlow Park and Cairns Showgrounds into major sporting and events precinct
September 15, 2022

An ambitious plan to turn Barlow Park into a major sporting and events precinct has been unveiled with Cairns Showgrounds to be incorporated into the hub.

Cairns Regional Council note the enhancement of Barlow Park and continued support for investment and upgrade to the Cairns Showgrounds are key components of their vision for a Major Events Precinct.

Council has endorsed the Major Events Precinct Vision and Development Opportunities Report, which outlined a strategic approach to evolving Barlow Park and the Cairns Showgrounds site into a premier regional sporting and events precinct.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the report set out principles to guide development of the precinct in a financially responsible and ordered way, while recognising the site’s untapped potential.

Mayor Manning notes “by capitalising on the precinct’s advantageous location, we can bring two established sites together to provide something for everyone – from world class events and experiences, to daily opportunities for sport, recreation, community activity, education and training..

“This report represents the starting point and an important step to establishing the precinct, which will require collaboration from all levels of government, key stakeholders and the community.

“The work really starts now to develop a business case and a master plan in a coordinated, collaborative and sensible fashion, with proper consideration given to the expectations of the community as well as the current users.”

Council considers the Barlow Park and Showgrounds site to be the natural location for the precinct as it is centrally located, has ample space and there is room.

The report identified a number of development opportunities to help facilitate the site’s elevation to premier regional sporting and events precinct, including a methodology to upgrade Barlow Park and the Showgrounds, partnering with stakeholders to establish a high-performance hub, and enhancing the aesthetics of the site to be more open and inviting.

Council will also look to capitalise on the opportunities associated with the 2032 Olympic Games and current stakeholder interest.

Image top: Cairns showground Credit: Tropical North Queensland; image above: Concept for Barlow Park sporting and events precinct. Courtesy Cairns Regional Council

Related Articles

4th September 2022 - Cairns’ inaugural Big Butt Hunt trials recycling innovation

26th August 2022 - Digital experience encourages children to play outside in Cairns

26th August 2022 - Light show inspired by Great Barrier Reef marks start of 60th Cairns Festival

17th August 2022 - Cairns Indigenous Art Fair announces new Artistic Director

27th July 2022 - Cairns Regional Council funds mountain bike economic project and continues to support North Queensland Sports Foundation

22nd July 2022 - Innovative design sought for new gallery to enhance Cairns Gallery Precinct

8th July 2022 - Cairns’ Barlow Park 2032 Olympic Games upgrade to include broadcast TV lighting

29th June 2022 - Investment to deliver bridge for Cairns Northern Beaches Leisure Trail

23rd June 2022 - Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Cairns Airport announce new three-year partnership

6th May 2022 - Cairns Council seeks funding to upgrade Barlow Park into a premium location for events

3rd May 2022 - Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference to be held in Cairns in 2022

29th April 2022 - Cairns to host world’s top mountain biking event

28th February 2022 - Cairns Showgrounds to host new youth music festival

25th November 2021 - Cairns Gallery Precinct project receives $10 million Federal Government contribution


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Gladstone MRM

Gladstone Health & Leisure (Gladstone MRM Pty Ltd Australia) is a leading supplier of leisure management and fitness software and is endorsed by leading health and fitness professionals and…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology / Venues

 
 

GEOFF NINNES FONG AND PARTNERS

Geoff Ninnes Fong & Partners (GNFP) is a structural, aquatic and civil engineering consultancy with broad experience in the design of new municipal and institutional swimming pools, hydrotherapy…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Design / Venues

 
 

Parkequip

Parkequip is an approved supplier under the NSW LGP Contract 308 for a range of products including play equipment, shade, shelters, safe fall, park furniture and school outdoor seating. All materials…

read more

Fitness / Parks / Play / Recreation / Surfaces

 
 

State Wide Pool Services

Known as Hydrilla since September 2020 - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/hydrilla-pty-ltd

read more

Aquatics

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

Active World

Since 2019, Active World's development team has been delivering a comprehensive single solution that caters to the diverse requirements of successfully operated and managed leisure centres. The…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

Goplay Commercial Playground Equipment

Goplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…

read more

Play

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business