Major carpark expansion proposed for Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich, Raceview

A major Queensland leagues club has proposed to demolish two homes beside its facility to make way for car parks and relieve pressure on on-street parking.

Two Ipswich homes could soon be demolished to make way for a major leagues club expansion intended to relieve pressure on on-street parking.

Applicant Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich has proposed to use 26 and 28 Wildey St, Raceview — both of which are currently occupied by a low-set house — for parking associated with its nearby facility.

With a total area of 1468m2, and a 32-metre frontage to Wildey St, the subject site would accommodate 69 parking spaces as well as landscaping.

“While there are no associated club additions — so no warrant for additional parking — the club considers it part of its obligation to the local community to contain parking to the site, as much as possible, and so relieve pressure on on-street parking,” the development application read.

The application proposed to have the Wildey St blocks become part of the Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich 8ha complex which currently comprises playing fields, a clubhouse, and parking.

“Although a carpark, the proposal is technically an extension to the existing entertainment use (club) and recreation use (parking associated with outdoor recreation),” the plans stated.

The site plan for the existing and the proposed Brother's Ipswich car park extension.

The expansion proposal comes after a major $14 million redevelopment in 2017 and 2018, which saw a new bistro and kitchen, a new bar precinct, a large gaming room, and three outdoor smoking areas established at the complex.

It now boasts a large lounge area with alfresco seating, three separate bars, a restaurant, and a cafe.

The redevelopment created 20 new jobs and expanded the club’s team to 120 people.

Prior to the 2017-18 upgrades, the existing club — which opened in 1974 — underwent major renovations and extensions in 1993 and 2007.

Rohrig managing director Glenn Rohrig and G.J. Walsh partner Greg Walsh at the announcement of significant development at Brothers Leagues Club in 2017. Picture: Rob Williams

“The extensive building renovation of the club has since thrust brothers to the forefront of entertainment and associated services in the Ipswich district,” a Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich statement read.

“Renovations have included new change rooms for players, first-aid rooms, canteen, public toilets, a new international-size rugby league field with viewing mounds strategically placed, and of course, a larger clubhouse with more facilities for all of our members and guests.”

Brothers Ipswich was formed more than 100 years ago in 1914 and established its home-ground at the Raceview site in 1963.