Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald supports concept to transform old hospital site in CBD into 15,000-seat stadium, aquatic centre

Mayor Geoff McDonald is the latest heavy-hitter to express support for a plan to transform the old Toowoomba Hospital site into a new stadium for the city. Vote in our poll here:

Toowoomba Hospital could become a major new stadium. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

Mayor Geoff McDonald has backed exploring if the old Toowoomba Hospital site can become a stadium and aquatic centre, as momentum builds on the potentially generational project.

Mr McDonald threw his weight behind the concept, which has been gaining ground since the LNP state government announced it would consolidate all hospital services to the upcoming Baillie Henderson site.

A new stadium, potentially with up to 20,000 seats, on the 7.5-hectare site on Pechey Street has been explored for years by Darling Downs Health and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce but it received a major boost this week when multi-millionaire businessman John Wagner gave it his full endorsement.

Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Geoff McDonald at a press conference to announce an interim CEO, Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr McDonald said he wanted the state government to undergo a thorough assessment, but believed a rectangular stadium and new aquatic centre to replace the ageing Milne Bay would suit.

“A stadium and a new aquatic facility would certainly be something that council would be well and truly using listening ears to see how that could look and feel and would make perfect sense from a location in the CBD, where you’re close to transport,” he said.

UDIA Toowoomba president Rob Weymouth. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“It’s got all the hallmarks for a great site for another use.

“We know that for us to be a growing community that a stadium to fit 15,000 or thereabouts is something that we should aspire to and that gives us a good opportunity.

“The state government would do well to consider what that would and have some good consultation with local government but also other stakeholders as well.”

Consensus from all stakeholders interviewed by News Corp was that the project should be led by the state government but potentially involve private investment either as a capital stake or for ongoing operations.

Toowoomba branch president of the Urban Developers Institute of Australia Rob Weymouth said the state’s development sector wanted to be involved in the process.

“Freeing up that land in the middle of the city is fantastic, whether it be in a city living, housing, or a stadium somewhere close to town is the greatest idea,” he said.

“If you had a concert there or something there you can walk downtown to the restaurants, coffee shops before and after the game or the performance, so I think it’s a great idea.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl.

“We would love to be involved because I think it would be a real game changer for our city for the next 50 years, because it’s such a large parcel of land.

“There’d be a lot of private development industry people who would be interested in it.”

Toowoomba Chamber chief executive Todd Rohl said whatever decision made should be done in consultation with the community.

“One of the key things missing for the future economic development of the region is a 15,000 to 20,000 seat stadium,” he said.

“The Toowoomba Chamber has done a range of work on multiple sites – this was one which was considered and the Toowoomba Chamber would support a brand new stadium close to the CBD to support the broader CBD.

“To ensure that we get action I believe that the state should lead, but I believe to ensure this works it should be a local, state, federal and private collaboration where collectively we all do something for the benefit of the region and broader Darling Downs.”