Council explores opportunities for indoor sports facility

Opportunities for a new indoor sports facility on Redlands Coast will be investigated as a legacy outcome in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

At this week’s General Meeting, Redland City Council agreed to develop an Indoor Sports Facility Action Plan for the city, identifying priority locations, funding requirements and opportunities to obtain at least six new courts.

In addition, there will be consideration for short to medium term options such as optimising or extending existing facilities and partnering with schools to provide additional capacity for sports.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said there was a strong need for an indoor sports facility on Redlands Coast.

“I’m pleased to see this investigation underway after I highlighted the need for an indoor sports complex earlier this year,” she said.

“Existing sporting infrastructure across the city is generally aging, has historically focused on outdoor, field-based sports, and is limited.

“However, there is a rising demand within the community for court space for emerging and growing sports such as basketball, pickleball, volleyball and futsal.

“Indoor sports facilities also provide equitable access for all and offer a climate-managed environment all year.”

The Mayor said the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games would also provide new sport and investment opportunities, including hosting for pre-games training.

“A fit-for-purpose indoor sports facility has the potential to provide various sports clubs with the ability to host regional, state or national events,” she said.

“Council is a Junior Games Partner for Brisbane 2032 with a commitment to the Redland Whitewater Centre project, and it would be beneficial to the city if there were further opportunities for Redlands Coast to be involved.

“Contemporary multi-purpose indoor sports facilities incorporate a mix of components such as sports courts, health and fitness facilities, programming and meeting areas, and food and beverage facilities.

“These facilities not only seek to maximise usage for sport and recreation but also provide programs for the wider community and can be used for large-scale events.”

The Mayor said preliminary analysis had identified Cleveland Showgrounds and Pinklands Sporting Complex as potentially suitable sites for an indoor sports facility but, as part of the investigation, all possible sites and opportunities would be considered.

At the meeting, Council also agreed to the development of a feasibility study on priority sites identified in the action plan, with a report outlining the outcomes to be brought to a future meeting of Council.