Work due to start on the clubhouse at a new multi-million AFL precinct

A northside Australian rules club hopes to start the 2020 season at its new multimillion-dollar facility, which will feature an oval the size of the MCG.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has, this week, awarded a $2.23 million tender to Leaf Building Group Pty Ltd for the construction of the new clubhouse at the Nathan Roads Sports Precinct at Rothwell north of Brisbane.

All up the project is expected to cost $18.25 million.

The ground, which will feature an oval the size of the MCG, clubhouse, second field, multipurpose field and a wetlands area, will eventually be the new home of the Redcliffe Tigers.

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The Redcliffe Tigers ground is prone to flooding.

Tigers currently play at Rothwell Park on McGahey St which is prone to severe flooding.

They have a large junior program as well as men’s and women’s teams.

Moreton Bay Regional Councillor James Houghton (Div 5) said the new clubhouse would include a clubroom, office space, storage, first aid room, scorers box, amenities and two unisex change rooms.

A design concept of the new home of the Redcliffe Tigers AFL Club at Nathan Rd, Rothwell. Picture supplied Moreton Bay Regional Council

“It’s exciting news for our mighty Tigers and a huge step towards creating another economic generator for our region,” he said.

“We’re already seeing major sporting precincts like Dolphin Stadium pay off for our region, attracting big-name fixtures, creating jobs for locals and injecting millions into local businesses, sporting clubs and hotels — and the Nathan Road Sporting Precinct will be no different.

“The facility will help unlock new opportunities for our region and host high quality fixtures of a state and national calibre.”

Redcliffe Tigers spokesman Steve Brown said excitement was building within the club.

“This project is a long time coming and we are looking forward to seeing it all unfold,” Mr Brown said.

Redcliffe Tigers player Aaron Richardson and Moreton Bay Lions Will Merrilees in the AFL game between Moreton Bay and Redcliffe. Picture: Richard Walker/RDW Photography

“From seeing the area taking shape to the construction of the facility in coming weeks, we plan to welcome new players to our club in the future as our membership grows.

“It’s great news for the club and the community as a whole.”

Cr Houghton said construction crews were already working on the new fields.

Work on the clubhouse is due to start at the end of month next. Weather permitting, it is expected to take 27 weeks to build.