Community
31 August, 2024
Park’s new grandstand
AN extra $47 million has been promised in a major upgrade of Barlow Park to help the region attract more major events and play its part in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Australian and Queensland governments have jointly allocated funding from the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program for the total $91m upgrade.
The upgrade will result in the current 1700-seat western stand rebuilt and seating more than doubled to 3500 permanent seats, with an additional 1500 retractable seats over the existing athletics track.
During the games, the venue will be able to host football preliminaries with the addition of around 15,000 temporary seats bringing total capacity to 20,000.
Spectators will enjoy improved visibility and amenities, with the upgrade including space for food and beverage outlets and a function room, and incorporating best practice sustainability and accessibility standards.
The upgrade will also deliver better access to on-site amenities for athletes and players, including equitable access for female players and referees thanks to an increase in the number of changing facilities.
The tender process for the managing contractor will start soon with the aim of works beginning in late 2025 to finish in 2028.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the upgrade would provide Cairns with a world class stadium capable of hosting football preliminaries during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Premier Steven Miles said in eight years’ time, “our Aussie football stars of the future could be playing here at Barlow Park in search of a gold medal in front of 20,000 people”.
“An upgraded Barlow Park will provide Cairns with a world-class venue that will help entice international events to the city and help inspire the next generation of our sporting stars,” he said.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the upgrades would also increase the number of female change rooms which would help position the Cairns region as a leading destination for women’s sport in Australia.
“People would have noticed the huge lights going up in recent weeks which will also help shine a spotlight on our city’s credentials as a sporting hub,” she said.
Games venue and legacy delivery authority chief executive officer Emma Thomas said, importantly, Cairns Athletics Club would be able to remain at the ground with the athletics track retained.
