Redland City Council is moving closer to delivering a long-awaited indoor sports facility, with Mayor Jos Mitchell signalling strong support for exploring a public private partnership (PPP) as part of the project’s next phase.
Council this week resolved to progress development of a business case for a preferred site, which will remain confidential until investigations are complete and a final decision is made.
Mayor Mitchell said the business case would be critical in determining the project’s feasibility, while also opening the door to alternative delivery models — including private sector involvement.
“Council has identified a preferred site which has the capacity to support the co-location of multiple community, sport and recreation uses as part of a broader integrated precinct,” the Mayor said.
“Another benefit is that there is no need to relocate existing sporting clubs.”
But it was the potential use of a PPP model that emerged as a key focus, with the Mayor highlighting it as a proven pathway for delivering major community infrastructure.
“In order to deliver facilities of this scale, councils often seek funding support from other levels of government or investigate public private partnerships (PPP),” she said.
“A PPP is a long-term arrangement where the private sector may finance, design, construct, operate or maintain a public facility.
“I am advised the PPP delivery model has been used for the Brighton Home Arena in Springfield and Parkinson Aquatic Centre in Brisbane.”
Council will now undertake “market sounding” to gauge private sector appetite for partnering on the project — a step that could shape how the facility is ultimately funded, built and operated.
The proposed indoor venue is being driven by growing demand for court space across multiple sports, with participation surging across the region.
“There is increasing demand for extra space to accommodate growth in sports such as basketball, volleyball, futsal and pickleball and I am pleased planning for the delivery of an indoor sports facility is progressing to meet this need,” the Mayor said.
“A facility for Redland City could also help position Redlands Coast to attract state, national and international level sport events.”
If progressed, the project could become one of the city’s most significant sport and recreation investments — with a PPP model potentially accelerating delivery while reducing the financial burden on ratepayers.
