Brisbane Hockey Association want Brisbane City Council to retain the sport’s history in Vic Park upgrade

The Brisbane Hockey Association want the Brisbane City Council to retain a slice of the sport’s history when Victoria Park is redeveloped.

The Brisbane hockey community is urging Brisbane City Council to retain pieces of hockey history as part of council’s planned redevelopment of Victoria Park.

The former Victoria Park hockey fields at Herston were the starting point for many hockey players competing in school fixtures and club games, as well as representative matches and grand finals.

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A retaining wall bearing the words “Play the Game’’, located near the former hockey fields off Gilchrist Ave, is of particular historical significance to the hockey community and there are concerns it could go when the parkland is redeveloped.

“It is early days yet,’’ said Brisbane Hockey Association president Kim Rendell. “It is a conceptual plan only, but we are quietly confident we have been listened to.’’

A spokesman for the Brisbane City Council said council was aware of hockey’s early involvement at Victoria Park.

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“Victoria Park will be Brisbane’s biggest new park in 50 years and we are currently in the exciting phase of finalising the design for this parkland,’’ council said in a written statement.

Hancock Brothers captain Nathan Smith duels with Commercial opponent Shane Kenny.

“More than 16,300 people, combined with design experts, helped shape the Victoria Park concept plan, and the ideas the community put forward are inspiring.

“Council is aware of the role Victoria Park had in the early development of hockey in Brisbane, including the retaining wall with the mosaic Play the Game.

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“Council will undertake a detailed assessment of all existing heritage assets in the next phase of detailed master planning and will consider ways to incorporate the mosaic and retaining wall in the future park design.’’

Georgia Hillas playing for Easts Hockey Club. Photo by Andrew Blanchard

Council said the “community has driven what is going to be in this park’’.

“And there will be plenty more opportunities for public consultation to come on this city-changing project.’’

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The Victoria Park hockey fields were opened in 1935, but hockey had been played at the venue for many years prior.

Commercial's Jared Taylor tries to tackle Easts' Matt Gohdes. Photo by Andrew Blanchard.

Current Brisbane clubs Valley, St Andrews and University of Queensland and future Australian Olympians played at Victoria Park during that era.

To have a say on the proposed Victoria Park development before submissions close on April 28, visit http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5337481/VPDV-feedback