Queensland’s major parties back redevelopment of Brisbane’s Ballymore ground

October 28, 2020

The redevelopment of historic Brisbane sports ground Ballymore appears assured with both the incumbent Labor Government and LNP opposition committing funds for the project in the lead up to this weekend’s Queensland election.

Following Labor’s restatement of an earlier commitment of $15 million to the project on 13th October, the LNP yesterday matched the funding pledge that would see Brisbane rugby's heartland become the home of the Wallaroos.

With $15 million in Federal Government funds already committed, the plans for a National Rugby Training Centre (NRTC) and new McLean Stand at the venue can now proceed.

The $30 million high-performance centre will be the new national headquarters for women’s rugby, including the national Wallaroos side, as well as a training base for the Queensland Reds men’s and women’s sides and other Queensland programs.

The venue could host multiple sports if Brisbane's 2032 Olympic bid is successful and also bolster Australia's 2027 Rugby World Cup hosting hopes and act as a training base for the Wallabies or touring Test nations.

Welcoming the funding, Rugby Australia Chairman, Hamish McLennan stated “rugby in Queensland is incredibly strong, with growth in all forms of the game.

"The NRTC is an exciting project, providing a world-class facility with warmer temperatures as the new home of the Buildcorp Wallaroos."

The LNP has also committed a further $2.5 million to redevelop Townsville’s ageing Hugh Street rugby ground.

The National Rugby Training Centre
The NRTC has been designed by Michael Rayner of Blight Rayner Architects, who are also responsible for the New Performing Arts Complex (NPAC) at Southbank.

It will feature an integrated 3010-capacity new McLean Stand, replacing the existing stand which was first built in the 1968 and extended in the 1970s. This will allow for continued Premier Rugby finals, representative matches and other events such as Wallaroos Tests.

Spread over almost 4000 square metres, it will feature changerooms for up to 100 men and women and house cutting edge sports science and recovery facilities.

Brisbane-based RPS are project managers, with construction expected to commence in mid-2021.

Image shows the concept for the redeveloped Ballymore.

20th October 2020 - Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion looks for $20 million from Federal Government

20th October 2020 - AFL’s Gabba Grand Final to be played in front of 30,000 fans

19th October 2020 - Ticketing malfunction sees NRL fans in queues with no social distancing outside Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium

16th October 2020 - South Africa withdraws from Rugby Championship citing Coronavirus travel restrictions and player safety concerns

28th September 2020 - Rugby Australia agrees interim players pay deal

24th September 2020 - Queensland Government commits $25 million for 10,000-seat stadium at Rockhampton’s home of rugby league

23rd September 2020 - Qantas ends 30-year Rugby Australia sponsorship deal

17th September 2020 - Federal Government provides $23 million for new Rockhampton Stadium

31st August 2020 - Rugby Australia restructure looks to achieve $15 million in savings

5th August 2020 - Phil Kearns appointed Executive Director of Australia’s Rugby World Cup 2027 bid

24th July 2020 - Matching funds support upgrade of Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium

20th June 2020 - Queensland Government loosens Coronavirus restrictions to allow 10,000 fans in sporting venues

18th June 2020 - Live Entertainment Industry Forum welcomes return of sports fans in Queensland

17th June 2020 - Queensland Government approves return of fans to stadiums

19th December 2018 - Taskforce sets out future for Stadiums Queensland venues

29th August 2018 - Queensland rugby sees increase in participation

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.

Click here to view our subscription options.