Construction starts on Queensland Academy of Sports’ new gym and sports science centre

The place Queensland Olympians call home is in for a major revamp with a state-of-the-art gym and sports science centre on the way. SEE THE DESIGNS

Future Queensland Olympians are set to receive a boost which could give them a competitive edge with an old facility at the state’s home for elite athletes to be transformed into a $9.8 million, world-class gym and sports science centre.

Olympic discus thrower Matt Denny and Queensland Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe kicked-off preparations for construction on the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre’s new facility last week, taking sledgehammers to the old indoor basketball hall which will make way for the gym.

QSAC is home to the Queensland Academy of Sport, which is the home for almost 600 elite athletes from 35 different sports.

Queensland Sports Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe and Olympic discus thrower Matt Denny take the sledgehammers to the old basketball hall at QSAC.

The project will also include a second stage which will convert the current, smaller gym space into a centre of excellence in sport science with upgraded biomechanical and physiological testing areas, a new blood lab and an instrumented running track.

“In 2018 the need for a gym upgrade was identified to create more space for more athletes,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.

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“While the QAS has outgrown its gym complex, the Palaszczuk Government also wanted to incorporate the very latest in scientific research and innovation in training, development, injury prevention and rehabilitation to ensure Queensland’s elite athletes are at their very best for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and beyond.”

Mr Hinchcliffe said the design of the QSAC upgrade meant the QAS would be a one-stop-shop for athletes with the gym located close to health suites delivering support for physiotherapy, medical and sport dietary needs.

Artist impression of the new gym and sports science centre at QSAC.

“Once completed, Performance Support Teams will be able to provide greater and more targeted training expertise to keep Queensland athletes at the top of their game on the national and world stage,” he said.

“The refurbishment also delivers high-performance programs and a world-class training centre for interstate and international teams preparing for elite sporting events, which also supports local jobs and Queensland’s economic recovery.”

The new facility is also set to provide Brisbane’s bid for the 2032 Olympic Games a major boost with the city considered the favourite to host the event.

“QSAC’s $9.8 million high-performance upgrade will be an added asset for ‘targeted dialogue’ with the International Olympic Committee about a potential Queensland Games in 2032,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.