SPORT and recreation in Thorneside is set for a major boost after Redland City Council endorsed a new master plan for the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field precinct.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the master plan outlined a multi-stage strategy to upgrade sporting, recreation and community facilities across the popular precinct.
“The master plan provides the venue’s tenant clubs, the broader community and other key stakeholders with clarity on how improvements are proposed to be delivered across the site in future years,” the Mayor said.
“The development of the master plan for this important precinct has been driven by multiple factors, including an increase in sport participation – particularly among women – a rise in demand for space to accommodate emerging sports such as pickleball, and a need to replace ageing assets.
“Through this master plan, Council aims to deliver a modern, high-quality venue that meets the needs and aspirations of all site users – including the tenant clubs and their players.
“This is the first time Council has undertaken precinct-level master planning for an existing sporting facility within the city, setting a new benchmark for how the organisation collaborates with the community, other levels of government and local clubs to deliver a shared long-term vision.”
The adoption of the plan will also open doors for additional funding opportunities for Council and local sports clubs to support future development stages.
Work is already underway, with modern LED lighting recently installed on the main football field to improve energy efficiency and meet competition standards.
Stages 2a and 2b of the master plan will be delivered through the South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund, part of the SEQ City Deal between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ).
These stages, due for completion by June 2027, will see the addition of a new district-level skate park, BMX track, pétanque arena, dog off-leash area, multi-court and rebound wall, relocated club cricket nets, and improved pedestrian connectivity.
The Australian and Queensland Governments are jointly contributing $5.71 million to the master plan.
Stage 3 will focus on enhancing the sports zone, including fields, lighting and courts, while stage 4 proposes a shared clubhouse, toilets, change rooms, upgraded playground and outdoor fitness area.
Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said Council would continue to engage closely with the community and tenant clubs as the project moves through future planning and design stages.
“It is important that upgrades across the precinct deliver on a collective vision that continues to provide our community with a truly multifunctional and accessible space,” Cr Bishop said.
“At my request in support of local community values, Council has agreed to form a precinct stakeholder and tenant working group to help inform future stages of the master plan.
“I invite members of the public to have their say during upcoming targeted consultation for the skatepark and BMX track, which will be a great addition for our area.
“Feedback provided during this engagement phase, which is set to take place in November, will be used to review the proposed design elements of both facilities.”
In June 2021, the four tennis courts were re-opened after being renewed with a premium sports surface, new lighting, fencing, gates, nets and net posts.
The existing tennis court shelters also received new lighting and had their roofs repaired, while the two public cricket nets were renewed and relocated.
The William Taylor Memorial Sports Field Master Plan can be viewed at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/william-taylor-upgrade.
