Hutchinson Builders awarded tender for $54million Browne Park redevelopment

The builder behind the redevelopment of Rockhampton’s historic Browne Park and what will be the long-term home for the CQ Capras can be revealed along with full details of the upgrades and jobs tied to the project.

Work is soon set to start of the $54 million redevelopment of Rockhampton's Browne Park. Photos: Luke Fletcher

The tender to deliver the Stage 1 redevelopment of Browne Park in Rockhampton has been awarded to Hutchinson Builders.

The $54 million redevelopment will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility to be Central Queensland’s leading venue for community, national and international level sporting and entertainment events.

Stage 1 involves replacing the existing Jack Crow stand with a new 3500-seat, three-tier grandstand with a roof, change rooms, food and drink outlets, broadcast facilities and offices.

Sport Minister Michael Healy said the agreement with Hutchinson Builders included a commitment of 70 percent local supply chain spend, as well as four per cent indigenous business spend.

During delivery of Stage 1, 96 jobs were expected to be supported.

See the faces in the crowd at the Capras’ last home games at Browne Park

The project was first announced and funding committed in September 2020.

The CQ Capras will play their home games at Rugby Park while Browne Park is being redeveloped.

Browne Park has been the traditional home of rugby league in the city for more than 100 years.

It has also been the base for the Central Queensland Capras who, for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, play at Rockhampton’s Rugby Park.

Stage 1 of the redevelopment will also provide an education opportunity for disadvantaged local youth aged between 15 and 18 with an aim of creating career pathways in the construction industry.

While a start date has not yet been announced, early works are expected to “begin shortly” with an estimated completion date of mid-2025.

Hutchinson Builders director and COO Paul Hart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Hutchinson Builders’ director and chief operating officer Paul Hart said the business’s connection with Central Queensland stretched back to 1916 when it built Berserker Street State School.

“Rockhampton has remained a big part of Hutchies’ history ever since, and we’re proud to be working with the Queensland Government to unlock the next chapter for Browne Park,” he said.

“In partnership with the community, our local subcontractors and suppliers, we look forward to delivering a world-class precinct that all sport lovers will be proud of.”

Sport Minister Michael Healy. Picture Lachie Millard

Mr Healy said the redevelopment would provide an even better experience for fans coming to the footy and generate a fantastic atmosphere for the crowd and for the players.

“Replacing the Jack Crow grandstand doesn’t take away Browne Park’s history, but it does ensure a bright future,” he said.

“The Miles Government has been working with the Queensland Rugby League in assisting the Capras, who will be playing home games at Rugby Park during the redevelopment, before returning to the new-look Browne Park.”

Originally published as Hutchinson Builders awarded tender for $54million Browne Park redevelopment