JRugby2
Cyril Towers (30)
if confirmed, looks like thats the end of Ballymore's official olympic involvement and likely the end of the road re additional funding for stands.
Ballymore Redevelopment
- Thread starter Karl
- Start date
if confirmed, looks like thats the end of Ballymore's official olympic involvement and likely the end of the road re additional funding for stands.
Would this have meant making Ballymore a synthetic field permanently?
LeCheese
Peter Sullivan (51)
Confirmed - no mention of Ballymore in the 2032 plans
The Ghost of Raelene
Michael Lynagh (62)
Wouldnt mind being a major contractor on the Eastern seaboard over the next 5 years. Charge what you want to get this over the line by 2030/31 so it can be pre-run before the Olympics. Hope all your stadiums arent about to be handed over to Merivale for Food and Beverage. You can bet with their SCG Trust deal they want this one badly. Not bad food but its pricey.
JRugby2
Cyril Towers (30)
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.smh.com.au/interactive/hub/media/tearout-excerpt/41789/100-Day-Review_Report-8Mar2025.pdf
The GIICA report re ballymore isnt flattering - hopefully the old boys can dip into the pockets for the eastern stand
The GIICA report re ballymore isnt flattering - hopefully the old boys can dip into the pockets for the eastern stand
The Ghost of Raelene
Michael Lynagh (62)
The bodies highlight that “any decision made to shift hosting hockey at Ballymore would be irresponsible”, point to:
“This isn’t about sport versus sport - it’s simply about smart decision-making.
“Hockey has engaged with this process professionally and pragmatically. We’ve put forward a cost-effective solution that delivers both a successful Olympics and a lasting legacy.
“We urge the GIICA and the Queensland Government not to invest in a $30 million (plus) mud pit that will only be used for 14 days and instead make sensible use of a re-purposed existing asset for a fraction of that cost.”
Hockey Australia Chief Executive, David Pryles added “we’ve been upfront from day one: Queensland needs more synthetic hockey fields. If there’s no permanent legacy venue for hockey out of Brisbane 2032, then there must be investment in long-term facilities elsewhere.”
Not very nice.
- The Ballymore precinct was underwater just two weeks ago, raising serious concerns about its viability as a playing venue;
- It lacks the necessary transport infrastructure and accessibility standards required for an Olympic hockey venue;
- Unlike the Gold Coast venue, Ballymore fails to meet International Hockey Federation (FIH) venue requirements - meaning additional, costly modifications would be required; and
- The cost of ‘drop in rip out’ hockey pitches at Ballymore will be in excess of $30 million and is a straight-out waste for a temporary facility that will only be used for 14 days and provides no legacy for Hockey at all.
“This isn’t about sport versus sport - it’s simply about smart decision-making.
“Hockey has engaged with this process professionally and pragmatically. We’ve put forward a cost-effective solution that delivers both a successful Olympics and a lasting legacy.
“We urge the GIICA and the Queensland Government not to invest in a $30 million (plus) mud pit that will only be used for 14 days and instead make sensible use of a re-purposed existing asset for a fraction of that cost.”
Hockey Australia Chief Executive, David Pryles added “we’ve been upfront from day one: Queensland needs more synthetic hockey fields. If there’s no permanent legacy venue for hockey out of Brisbane 2032, then there must be investment in long-term facilities elsewhere.”
Not very nice.
Adam84
John Eales (66)
yeah hockey went full gloves off with some of their comment... i think they've fucked themselves a bit though, the gold coast option isn't really the best solution either. the main facility for the state is now based on the gold coast and they have no legacy infrastructure for those in Brisbane, where the vast majority of players are. they also gain no net-increase in playing fields in Brisbane, which is a big issue as well.
Adam84
John Eales (66)
It's not entirely ruled out for Ballymore; it'll likely be requested as a training facility for either Football or Sevens and a bit of money thrown that way to help with that, but any hopes of >$50million cash injections are pretty much gone.
Recommendations:
Existing venues (no major upgrades)
Ballymore Stadium 39. GIICA recommends Brisbane 2032 consider Ballymore as a potential option for alternate Games use.
Recommendations:
Existing venues (no major upgrades)
Ballymore Stadium 39. GIICA recommends Brisbane 2032 consider Ballymore as a potential option for alternate Games use.
The Ghost of Raelene
Michael Lynagh (62)
Private School around Brisbane and the Gold Coast with Fields and a pool will be the hottest ticket for bookings.
Best case for that might be an extra set of change rooms for Male and Females.
Best case for that might be an extra set of change rooms for Male and Females.
PhilClinton
Paul McLean (56)
Funnily enough I was in the Ballymore area today for work so I decided to swing past. It looks like a fight gym (MMA, boxing etc.) has moved into some of the old facilities. Does the QRU still retain ownership over all of that? I.e. is that just new revenue?
Adam84
John Eales (66)
Yes they lease the old gym and the former Rugby HQ building out
Not to mention you then have to watch field hockey.
LeCheese
Peter Sullivan (51)
From Hockey's perspective, this really does seem like it was a case of securing the least-shit option. Their criticisms of Ballymore are justified, if a bit snarky, and there really is no other suitable (i.e., established) venue in BNE that doesn't suffer from the same issues.
PhilClinton
Paul McLean (56)
If we end up with enough rain in any July to flood Ballymore like we did during the Alfred event, then Brisbane has a whole lot more issues to worry about it than just the viability of a playing field, so this point is kind of moot. Bloody hockey heads.