Venue looks to all-rounder benefits
A handful of local sporting clubs and associations are working together to develop Griffiths Park into one of Cairns’ premier venues with an eye to attracting AFL and elite cricket clubs.
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A handful of local sporting clubs and associations are working together to develop Griffiths Park into one of Cairns’ premier venues with an eye to attracting AFL and elite cricket clubs.
Work has started on the redevelopment of the Griffiths Park precinct, with construction now under way on a significant lighting upgrade.
But local stakeholders want to take the venue to the next level by building a grandstand and second-storey viewing platform.
While the plans have been bubbling away for about five years, they have accelerated in recent months, with Cairns Cricket Association, United Cricket Club, Norths Cricket Club and Cairns Saints AFL club working together to develop concept drawings.
Instead of relying on Cazalys Stadium for elite AFL and cricket games when they do come to FNQ, stakeholders believe the new grandstand would make Griffiths Park a perfect secondary option to host pre-season training for AFL clubs and even Sheffield Shield games in cricket.
All stakeholders will now look towards the regional council and the State Government to help fund the project.
Local cricket officials are hopeful of being able to complete the project for about $2.5m, sourced from different levels of government as well as Queensland Cricket and other opportunities.
There has already been half of the needed cash committed to the proposed grandstand with just under $1m required, which is hoped to be secured in the lead up to the October state election.
The concept drawings, created by Develop North, are now being shared with the user bodies of Griffiths Park and a committee has been formed to secure the funding.
Cairns Cricket Association president Peter Huey is hopeful that Griffiths Park will become attractive from a multi-sport perspective to land the relevant funding needed.
“It still has a little way to go. I hope we can get funding because it is a very good concept, not just for cricket and footy, but other sports too,” Mr Huey said.
“We have come a long way. I think we have been on this project for around five years now.
“We are hoping in the next six to 12 months we will be able to secure the funding to continue going forward with the concept, as it will give cricket another opportunity to bring high level games to FNQ.
“The upcoming state election comes at a good time for us; we can lobby hard for that funding.”
Mayor Bob Manning said the council had put aside significant funding in its capital works program to contribute to the development of Griffiths Park but would not comment specifically on the potential of a grandstand being included in future works.
“Council is committed to this project and is working on aspirational plans in collaboration with stakeholders, such as Cairns Cricket Association, United Cricket Club, Norths Cricket Club and Cairns Saints AFL, to ensure this project has the backing of the community and is used to its full potential,” Cr Manning said.
“Council will also look at additional funding to support future capital works.
“There is still a lot of work to be done.
“The successful redevelopment of Griffiths Park will depend on support from stakeholders, as well as assistance from state and federal governments.”
Saints president Craig Hards said the grandstand would be an asset to many local sporting clubs and leagues.
“We will both be putting in for grants to get it done, but from all my conversations, everyone is confident money should be able to be secured,” Mr Hards said.
“It is all very exciting for us as a club.”
In the proposed plans, the grandstand would be built over the existing changerooms at Griffiths Park and help land AFL training camps as well as BBL, WBBL and Shield games.
The local cricket officials have long pushed for the project, with AFL Cairns and Saints recently brought into the fold.
Local officials hope to have the grandstand built within the next two years.
GRIFFITHS PARK GRANDSTAND
The new grandstand would provide an elevated viewing area, tables and chairs, a bar and a bigger kitchen to offer meals for players and spectators.
An improved gym and drop pool are hopeful of being included, which would be key in landing pro teams for camps and games.
GRIFFITHS PARK WORKS ALREADY CONFIRMED
There are plans for the installation of white picket fences around the ovals and for additional landscaping and tree planting, all of which will help preserve the character of the venue and grow its sporting use, Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said.
The upgraded lighting will ensure compliance as a Class II facility as specified by the Queensland Cricket Infrastructure Strategy.
The $2.27 million upgrade (Stage 1a) will involve the erection of four new light towers, about 41 metres in height, to provide 500 lux lighting for the infield and 300 lux to the outfield (required output for a Class II facility. As part of the works, the existing lighting will be removed.
It is hoped these lights will be ready to go for the upcoming cricket season.
Council has received planning approvals for Stage 1b of the upgrade, which includes:
• significant civil works to increase accessibility to the venue (vehicle and pedestrian), carparking (100 off street parks) and an entrance plaza to give the site a ‘front door’ and for events, and
• New cricket training nets.
Work is expected to start after detailed design in mid-2021.
Council was successful in securing $1 million in grant funding from the State Government, through the Department of Public Works ‘Active Community Infrastructure’ program, to contribute to the costs of Stage 1 of the redevelopment.
In addition to the above funding and construction activities, Council has also delivered the following:
• Initial planning strategy ($50,000), and
• Acquisition costs for new land off Warner Street to accommodate carparking requirements ($800,000).
Originally published as Venue looks to all-rounder benefits