Council passes on its approval for state-of-the-art $27m Broncos training base

A NEW state-of-the-art training facility for the Broncos is set to be approved by Brisbane City Council.

Artists impression of the new Brisbane Broncos training centre at Red Hill

A NEW training facility for the Broncos is set to be approved by Brisbane City Council, across the road from their spiritual home at Red Hill.

The $27 million base will have cutting-edge training facilities to allow the NRL team to keep up with big-spending clubs such as Melbourne and Canterbury.

It includes a full-sized field to allow school students and community groups access.

Plans lodged with Brisbane City Council in December show the facilities will also include a retail shop and a cafe on the ground floor.

Artists impression of the new Brisbane Broncos training centre at Red Hill

Coaching staff offices and player meeting areas, as well as a community education centre, will be on the second floor, while the top floor will be for administrative offices.

There will also be a gym, a pool and a rehabilitation centre for private Broncos’ use.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Broncos were contributing to community facilities as part of the approval, including the education centre and lighting for the Ithaca Creek bikeway, but the public’s ability to play on the field would be a highlight.

“Every young kid aspires to get into the big league. They will be able to gallop around on the same turf, pretending to be the heroes in the top grade,” Cr Quirk said.

Last year Broncos chairman Dennis Watt said the facilities would put them on a level playing field with the world’s top teams.

“It’s about keeping with the aspirations of the Broncos to be leaders of the game.”

Broncos chief executive Paul White said the approval was a major milestone and the club would have to work with the State Government to continue the process.

Artists impression of the new Brisbane Broncos training centre at Red Hill

The expansion to the new location, directly opposite their current Fulcher Road base, was announced in August 2013.

It included a deal with the State Government to lease the defunct Ithaca TAFE grounds and a $5 million grant pledged by then-Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott.

The new facilities are expected be complete by the end of 2016, in time for the 2017 pre-season preparations.

The existing Broncos training field will continue to be used by the under 20s team, while Broncos Leagues Club will also continue where it is and be able to expand its operations.

Planning documents show the training field is intended to be used from 6am to 10pm at night, with a small, public seating arena facing away from nearby homes to limit any noise impacts.

The Broncos current base at Red Hill is considered their spiritual home where they have been based for more than 25 years.

There had been fears last year they would be forced to leave Red Hill as the ageing facilities were being stretched to breaking point as greater resources were needed to keep pace with southern clubs.

The design of the building is meant to reflect Queenslander houses prevalent in Red Hill.

Artists impression of the new Brisbane Broncos training centre at Red Hill.