Knudsen Horse Sports proposes mixed-use development including equestrian and function facility

From camping areas to an indoor equestrian centre – this rural property owner has big plans.

Plans have been submitted to Toowoomba Regional Council for a new function facility, complete with two camping areas, indoor equestrian centre, Airbnb and separate hair and beauty salon at Wyreema.

The development application for the proposed facilities was lodged by Knudsen Horse Sports Pty Ltd on land at 56-80 Rosenberger Road, Wyreema.

The proposal involves the use of existing farm buildings at Bracknell Lodge for a function and events venue, which will be able to be hired for weddings, birthdays, dances, fundraisers, and conferences.

“Bracknell Lodge will offer a rustic venue set within a rural landscape that will accommodate up to 150 guests at a time, with approximately 20 events per year,” documents said.

Functions such as weddings, which involve ceremonies, may also utilise an existing farm storage building to be repurposed as a chapel.

Under the plans, a new amenities building will be constructed on-site to cater to patrons using the function facility.

In the southeast corner of the property, the landowners are proposing an indoor equestrian centre.

“The facility is proposed to be utilised for horse riding clinics and competitions which involves events such as dressage, barrel racing and cutting,” documents said.

“The facility will accommodate up to 80 competitors plus spectators. It is estimated that there will be a maximum of two horses per competitor, totalling a maximum of 160 horses for any one event.

The facility will comprise a large indoor equestrian centre of 90 metres in length and 63 metres in width, amenities building and carparking area for the parking of cars and horse transport vehicles (i.e. horse floats, etc.).

“The proposed indoor equestrian centre will consist of a sand arena approximately 90 metres in length and 55 metres in width. The centre also includes an awning area which will be utilised by spectators. The proposed use will also consist of an amenities block, to cater to patrons utilising the facility.

“The amenities block will consist of male and female toilets and showers.”

The tourist park aspect of the development will involve two camping grounds – one associated with the function facility and the other with the equestrian facility.