New $54 million Browne Park redevelopment unveiled

01 Mar 2023

A $54 million redevelopment of Browne Park in Rockhampton is getting closer to kick-off with the Queensland Government unveiling a major funding boost, along with artist impressions of the new western grandstand and the full site masterplan.

The Stage 1 works involve:

  • building a contemporary three-level 3,500-seat grandstand featuring a timber structured roof
  • four universally designed change rooms
  • Increasing ground capacity from 5,000 to 7,000.
  • public amenities
  • food and beverage outlets
  • media and coach facilities
  • corporate areas, a function room and broadcast facilities
  • offices for the Central Queensland Capras and QRL

Early demolition works of the existing 750-seat Jack Crow Stand are scheduled to commence mid this year with the main construction works to begin later in 2023.

Construction works are expected to support more than 170 local jobs, and are anticipated to be completed ahead of the 2025 rugby league season, subject to weather, and labour and materials availability.

The procurement process for a Head Contractor will commence in the coming months, when locals will also be able to have their say on the full site master plan during the Infrastructure Designation public consultation.

Upon completion of all stages of the master plan, the full ground capacity will double from 5,000 to 10,000.

The redevelopment will make Browne Park even more attractive as a destination for major NRL, rugby and A-league games, as well as concerts and festivals, while putting Rockhampton on the global map for international team training on the runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The projected cost of the redevelopment has increased since a $25 million 2020 Election Commitment that was based on a 2018 Strategic business case.

This increase has been due to a number of factors including supply chain issues and rising construction costs, upgrades to the water, sewerage and electricity systems on-site, noise reduction measures and to meet professional sport requirements to host games including having the appropriate broadcast and corporate facilities.

Browne Park is home to the Central Queensland Capras Rugby League team that plays in the Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup.

The venue hosted three NRL games in 2021 including a semi-final clash between the Eels and Knights.