Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion moves a step closer
The proposed expansion of Sunshine Coast Stadium has moved a step closer, with cross-party financial support secured from the State Government.
The stadium has received a $20 million commitment from the Queensland Government and the State Opposition towards the $68 million stage one expansion to boost the seating capacity to over 11,500 and overall capacity to more than 16,500.
For the expansion of the Kawana Waters venue to get underway however, a further $20 million in funding is required from the Federal Government.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson has welcomed the bipartisan support for the expansion.
“With the commitment announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (on Friday, October 16) and the commitment by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tim Mander a few weeks ago, the Sunshine Coast community can be confident that State Government funding will be made available for this important project – regardless of which party forms government after October 31,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Our council has already committed $17 million towards this project, with local philanthropists having also agreed to commit $11 million.
“The only thing missing now is a $20 million dollar commitment from the Federal Government which would enable our Stadium expansion to proceed.”
Sunshine Coast Stadium had new broadcast-quality lighting installed earlier this year and was Melbourne Storm’s home away from home, hosting six NRL matches, while the club continues to train at the venue in the lead-up to Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced they’ll take a game to the stadium next season, and it’ll stage the upcoming Women’s State of Origin clash on November 13.
Planning for the stadium expansion is well underway, with pans first revealed in December 2019. It is hoped construction will commence in 2021 providing the remaining funding can be secured.
“Making this project happen will provide a further stimulus for the construction industry as part of the economic recovery process and a significant platform for growing new tourism opportunities and expanding our major events calendar.” Jamieson continued.
“Our council stands ready to assist Mr Wallace in persuading the Federal Government to see their way clear to committing the $20 million dollars needed for this project.
“We have already shown in spades, what our Sunshine Coast Stadium can offer by hosting NRL competition matches, two Elton John concerts and providing the home base this season for the Melbourne Storm – but we can lock in so much more if we had an expanded, contemporary venue.
“With the Stage 1 expansion, we can increase the fixed seating capacity to 11,618 seats and thus accommodate around 16,618 patrons at the venue under normal operating conditions”.
The proposed stage one expansion would see the seating capacity increased from 1,050 to 11,618, while the overall capacity would be boosted from 12,000 to 16,618.
Stage 1 is the first phase of a longer-term stadium development, which would ultimately see a seating capacity of between 20,000 and 25,000, with expansion of the existing grandstand and a new two-tiered grandstand opposite, delivered in time for the 2032 Olympic Games, should Queensland be successful in securing the event.
