Further funding for Gabba facelift

The Gabba: facelift © Getty Images

The Queensland government today announced a further A$10 million in funding to boost the redevelopment of Brisbane's Gabba Stadium. Work is set to begin at the end of the football season later this month.

Terry Mackenroth, the sports minister, told parliament the government would contribute the additional funds on top of the A$40 million already pledged to complete the full circle of the grandstands. Once complete, the redevelopment would provide an additional 5,000 seats, boosting the ground's capacity to 42,000.

Although work on the grandstand would begin later this month, only a few hundred seats in the lower tier would be ready in time for the start of the 2005 Aussie rules season.

The redevelopment, to be managed by construction company Watpac, also includes additional corporate and function room facilities, vehicle access to allow for drop-in pitch blocks and new engineering and workshop space for on-site maintenance and repair work.

Mr Mackenroth said the additional A$10 million - to be funded through the proceeds of the first sale of gaming machine authorities - would be used to fund five new projects at the ground. These included the installation of a new automated turnstile entry system similar to those used at the new Suncorp Stadium. Entrances, change rooms, the public address system and new food courts on the upper concourse level would also be improved.

"The upgrades are being done in response to representations made by Gabba tenants and service providers in the interest of developing the Gabba as an even better place to watch football and cricket," Mr Mackenroth said. "They will also ensure the Gabba retains its reputation as a world-class venue."