The Queensland Government has revealed plans to match a A$15m (£8.2m/€9m/$10.5m) investment into the proposed upgrade of Ballymore Stadium by the federal government, transforming the rugby union venue into a high-performance hub that could host Olympic Games competitions in 2032.
Brisbane has been put forward as a potential candidate city for the Olympics in 12 years’ time, with the bid likely to feature venues across Queensland. It has been suggested that the redeveloped Ballymore Stadium, based in the Brisbane suburb of Herston, could host hockey contests at the Games, with the facility also set to be a training venue ahead of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand.
The 18,000-capacity stadium, which has traditionally been used to host rugby union matches, has also been lined up to serve as the new National Rugby Training Centre.
Kate Jones, Queensland’s Development, Tourism and Innovation Minister, told the 4BC Breakfast with Neil Breen show that there is a “commitment… from both the federal and state government for a A$30m redevelopment, of which we both pay A$15m”.
She added: “The last time I was speaking to the Queensland Rugby Union, they were saying that they had appointed an architect that was working on those designs. So, yes, as far as I’m concerned, it’s full steam ahead with the redevelopment of Ballymore which is… long overdue and will make such a big difference for rugby and the local community.”
The Courier-Mail reported last month that design firm Blight Rayner had been lined up to work on the project.
The stadium, which used to host Queensland Reds Super Rugby matches, is home to a number of rugby teams, including Brisbane City (pictured).
Image: Naparazzi – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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