Kick-off for Stage 3 of Dolphin Stadium
Published 30 January 2020
Demolition works and concrete rubble currently at Dolphin Stadium might not look like much to passers-by, but to players and officials at the club it means progress as work on Stage 3 at Dolphin’s stadium begins.
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, said the final stage would see the development of a northern stand, opposite the Redcliffe Leagues Club to attract more sports and tourism opportunities with larger events hosted in Redcliffe which would be great for local athletes and fans.
“I’ve been working with the Dolphins to deliver $3.5 million worth of federal government funding towards this joint funded project to build and deliver an extra 3,170 seats,” said Mr Howarth.
“The new stand will boost Dolphins seating capacity from almost 7,000 to 10,000 including space for 11,000 spectators; the upgrade will elevate the grounds status to best boutique stadium in the entire country.
“It’ll be great for locals, families, employment and will also drive economic flow on to our local small business sector
“In addition to the high profile football championships associated with Dolphin Stadium, there will also be opportunities for local organisations such as the Christian Football Federation and the Australian Indigenous Football Championship to host games here in Redcliffe.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council Acting Mayor Mike Charlton said the stadium had played host to a raft of high profile events since the first two stages of Dolphin Stadium were completed.
“We’ve hosted events including the Rugby League Commonwealth Championships, the sold-out Intrust Super Cup Grand Final and sold-out Brisbane Roar A-League Fixtures,” he said.
“In fact I think Brisbane Roar fans will be demanding that they play future matches here, the atmosphere was just electric!
“Council’s $2.5 million contribution is an investment in our region’s economic development and also jobs.
“We are proud to say that between 80-100 local jobs, including 15 apprentices, have been created thanks to this project.
“Council is particularly proud to support women in sport and thrilled this project will create inclusive facilities for everyone to enjoy, including upgraded changes rooms and amenities.
“And thanks to Federal Government funding, the existing shed will be upgraded and there will be totally new facilities under the new stand suitable for female athletes.”
The upgrade is also proposed to include more spectator amenities, an equipment storage area below the grandstand, as well as new scoreboard displays and a refurbishment of the change room facilities to cater for different sporting teams and female athletes.
Dolphins Chairman Bob Jones said the increased seating capacity at Dolphin Stadium will open up more opportunities to attract major events to the Moreton Bay Region.
“The chance to host even more national and international events generates massive exposure for our region through broadcast as well as huge economic benefits from visitor spending.
Every person travelling from outside the area to watch events at Dolphin Stadium is spending here, whether it’s with accommodation providers, tourism operators or at coffee shops, restaurants and bars. It all equals money for our local economy,” Mr Jones said.
“I expect we’ll be putting up the ‘sold out’ sign on major events, even with the additional seating.
“Fans love the intimate atmosphere of Dolphin Stadium, being close to the action, not to mention the affordability of getting a drink and something to eat.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that for every extra seat we put in, there will be an extra person filling it. That is what the demand is telling us.”
Design and construction company Paynters, responsible for delivering Stages 1 and 2 has also been appointed to construct Stage 3.
Paynters plan to engage local trades and suppliers where possible and are expected to create 80-100 jobs including 15-20 apprentices.
Paynters Project Manager Matt Hogg said that the project will commence with civil earthworks, followed by construction of foundations, inground services and the grandstand.
It is anticipated the build will be completed in August 2020.
The project is being jointly funded by the Moreton Bay Regional Council, the Federal Government and the Redcliffe Leagues Club.