A new 25-year lease has been granted to Brothers Rugby Club for their Albion base, paving the way for a significant upgrade to the community’s sporting facilities.
The agreement comes after changes to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue plan, which previously earmarked the area for redevelopment. Under the new arrangement, Brothers Rugby Club will spearhead a comprehensive overhaul of Crosby Park, transforming it into a modern sports and community hub.
Planned Improvements
The master plan for the 5.5-hectare precinct includes several key developments:
1. Indoor Sport and Recreation Centre
A new indoor facility will be constructed to accommodate various sporting activities.
2. Enhanced Parking and Learn-to-Swim Classes
Additional car parking will be provided, along with the introduction of learn-to-swim classes for local families.
3. Community-Focused Amenities
Plans include a new clubhouse, café, gym, function room, and public seating areas.
4. Upgraded Change Rooms
New change rooms will be built to cater for the growing number of female players, which now make up over 40% of the club’s membership.
5. Allied Health Services
The final stage of development may include on-site allied health services to benefit both facility users and the broader community.
Community Impact
Brothers Rugby Club president Geoff Rodgers highlighted the need for modernisation, noting that the club’s amenities had not seen major additions since the early 1980s. He expressed the club’s aim to become a hub for the local community, catering to sporting, social, leisure, and recreational needs.
The upgrade aligns with the city’s vision for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While the original plans for a Breakfast Creek Sports Precinct have changed, with Racing Queensland retaining its raceway at Albion Park, the Brothers Rugby Club development ensures the local community will still benefit from improved facilities ahead of the Games.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner emphasised the importance of investing in grassroots sports. He stated that the development would help make Brisbane an even better lifestyle capital for years to come.
As the Brothers Rugby Club project moves forward, the state government is yet to decide whether the previously planned Brisbane Indoor Sport Centre will be built at Zillmere or Boondall. Meanwhile, Racing Queensland is planning a mixed-use development around its raceway, complementing new residential towers planned for the Breakfast Creek area.
Published 13-Aug-2024
