Browne Park's $62m redevelopment takes shape as work starts on new playing surface
The stop-start redevelopment of Rockhampton's Browne Park has finally gained momentum, with the project now on target to be operational by mid-2026. Key stakeholder Rob Crow provides a progress report.
Work has started on the playing surface at Browne Park as the $62 million redevelopment edges closer to completion.
Rob Crow from the Management of Browne Park said he was “really happy” with the progress at Rockhampton’s spiritual home of rugby league, with the project on target to be finished by mid-2026.
It has had a number of false starts - and almost doubled in cost - since plans were first announced and funding committed in September 2020.
The state government had to deliver an extra $3.5 million for upgrades to the field, the scoreboard and to install TV broadcast standard lighting to attract elite sport to the region.
Crow said it was now full steam ahead on the Stage 1 works, a feature of which is the new three level, 3,253-seat western grandstand.
“It was frustrating early on and it took us a long while to get the project out of the ground but since then it’s just thrived and the contractor has done a great job,” he said.
“Weather permitting and if everything else goes to plan, we will be using the facility by June 2026.”
Crow said the grandstand, which replaced the 750-seat Jack Crow Stand demolished in July 2024, had been erected and the roof had gone on.
The seats would be put in at a later stage.
Crow said focus had now turned to the field, which is being excavated so layers of soil and sand can be laid for drainage purposes.
The irrigation system would then be installed before the final grass covering was laid.
It would have an “establishment period” of four months maximum to allow the grass to knit and develop a strong root system.
New lighting had been installed which, at its peak, would produce 1800 lux from the four light towers on each of the four corner poles. (It was previously at 300 lux.)
The new 50 square metre digital scoreboard, which sits on the Rockhampton Leagues Club, has been erected. and would soon be finished.
The redevelopment also includes four universally designed change rooms, public amenities, food and beverage outlets, media and coach facilities, corporate areas, a function room, broadcast facilities, and office administration with space for up to three tenants, including the CQ Capras.
Crow said the Management of Browne Park would be re-establishing the hill at the northern end of the ground, as well as replacing the seating in the Nev Callaghan Stand on the Bruce Highway side.
