Rockhampton Sports Precinct: Tenders opened for consultant brief

Tenders have opened for a consultant on the project. The facility is to include grass fields, hard courts, indoor facilities and track and field athletics. SEE THE FULL DETAILS.

Action photos from NSW Little Athletics Championships 2022 at Homebush. The Rockhampton Sports Precinct is set to have track and field tracks.

The idea of a multi-use precinct for sports in the Rockhampton region has been touted for years - and it could finally be coming to fruition.

Over the years various locations have been earmarked and looked at including the CQUniversity grounds, Rosel Park in Depot Hill, Victoria Park, land in Parkhurst and Gracemere and Rugby Park.

The project has been a short-listed project for many elections but has never gotten off the ground.

This time, it could be edging closer.

Last month, Rockhampton Regional Council (RRC) opened tenders for a “Rockhampton Sports Precinct Consultant Brief”.

This publication viewed the tender documents which state council is “investigating opportunities for a greenfield sports precinct in Rockhampton”.

“RRC is looking to improve its sporting and events infrastructure and facilities to meet the current and future demand of our region,” the documents state.

“Council is now seeking consultancy services with specialist sport and recreation experience to support progressing the Rockhampton Sports Precinct concept.”

The Rockhampton local government area has an estimated population of 82,311 (as of June 30, 2021).

It is estimated that population would grow to 104,153 by 2041.

Rockhampton also services a wide catchment of areas in regional Central Queensland.

The new sport and recreation precinct is to be planned over 20 years with a staged development.

A preferred site has been selected by council, however the location was not stated in the tender documents due to “confidentiality”.

“The location will be issued to the successful consultant upon engagement,” the document states.

The preferred site meets criteria in terms of relation to existing and future service catchments, is about 25 hectares and has relatively flat topography, proximity to existing infrastructure and facilities and access to appropriate road networks.

Outlined features of Rockhampton Sports Precinct:

• Grass Fields – Up to eight rectangle and three oval fields allowing for a mix of grass sports
• Hard Courts – Up to 12 hard courts that will allow for a mix of hard court sports
• Track and Field Athletics – A contemporary synthetic track and athletics facility
• Multi-purpose Indoor Facility – A contemporary indoor sports and community facility
• Recreational Park – District level park complementing the sports precinct.
• Facilities and infrastructure that are multipurpose and multi-user where possible
• Facilities and amenities that cater for the proposed users of the site

There also needs to be consideration for access and parking, clubhouse(s) and amenities, infrastructure services, landscaping and earthworks.

A sporting and recreation precinct would support the region’s visitor economy and attract and retain new residents.

It would also allow Rockhampton to attract out-of-region and interstate to Rockhampton for regional, state and national carnivals.

Council is also looking to capitalise on the 2032 Olympic Games and it is hoped the facility may attract sporting activity and training in the lead up to the games.

Tenders will close on May 18 and are weighed on the following categories: project experience 28 per cent, corporate and financial capacity five per cent, program 20 per cent, innovation and sustainability five per cent, local preference 12 per cent and price 30 per cent.

The successful tenderer must submit a master plan with a minimum of three options.

The contract is due to be awarded in June.