Stand demolition starts as redevelopment of Rockhampton’s home of rugby league is in full swing

Demolition of the Jack Crow Stand started today as the redevelopment of Rockhampton’s Browne Park is in full swing. See the latest on the $54M project set to transform the city’s traditional home of rugby league.

The demolition of the Jack Crow Stand has started as work ramps up on the $54 million Stage 1 redevelopment of Rockhampton’s Browne Park.

The long-awaited project will transform the city’s traditional home of rugby league into Central Queensland’s leading venue for sporting and entertainment events.

The construction contract was awarded to Hutchinson Builders, which is committed to using up to a 70 percent local supply chain.

Ninety-six full-time equivalent jobs will be supported during the works.

The 750-seat Jack Crow Stand was erected in the mid 1980s.

It will be replaced by a new three-tier grandstand with up to 3500 seats, four change rooms, public amenities, food and drink outlets, a function space, broadcast facilities and offices.

Work on the demolition of the Jack Crow Stand at Rockhampton's Browne Park started on July 17, 2024. Photo: Pam McKay

The landscape at Browne Park is now very different to the one spectators who attended the last games there on March 16 would remember.

Management of Browne Park secretary Rob Crow said it was great to see the progress that had been made.

“As you can see, it’s all happening really quickly,” he said.

“The old dressing sheds (which included the referees room) have gone, the broadcast box is gone and the old amenities block and parts of the Les Yewdale Complex have been taken down as well.

“It’s only the Jack Crow Stand and the rest of the Les Yewdale Complex to go.”

Just as Rob finished speaking, an excavator took the first bite out of the roof of the Jack Crow Stand, which is named after his late grandfather.

Jack held a variety of positions with the Rockhampton Rugby League and was a life member of the Queensland Rugby League.

Management of Browne Park secretary Rob Crow in front of the stand that was named after his late grandfather Jack Crow.

Rob said there were some “mixed emotions” watching the stand come down but was excited for what was to come.

“I always look forward and at the end of the day, knowing what this will do not only for rugby league but for other sports and the community is an absolute game-changer,” he said.

“And we’re not losing that history. Everyone’s name that is on anything here at Browne Park will be put back in some way, shape or form.”

Rob said rugby league would return to Browne Park in 2026.