North Ipswich Reserve’s transformation into a premier venue set to bring top sport and entertainment events to Ipswich has hit a milestone, with construction starting on a new $40 million grandstand.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the project cements the city’s long-standing reputation as rugby league heartland, bringing state-of-the-art facilities to local players as the home of Ipswich Jets.
The North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand is funded by the Australian Government ($20 million), the Queensland Government ($10 million) and Ipswich City Council ($10 million).
“Construction of the North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand is a major step in Ipswich’s journey to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as we deliver another venue for elite sporting performance,” Mayor Harding said.
“The new grandstand will provide seating for 2,199 spectators – an increase of almost 200 on earlier designs – plus coaches’ boxes, four spacious and modern changerooms, media facilities and function facilities for up to 250 guests.
“The project will also boost spectator experience with a new public plaza, upgraded public amenities, a canteen and fresh landscaping, while the carpark is also being expanded.
“The North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand will sit alongside Brighton Homes Arena, which has been confirmed as a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue, as the jewels of Ipswich’s sporting landscape.
“Council’s construction partner Buildcorp has already been hard at work delivering this project with demolition of the previous grandstand, with construction due to wrap up in late 2027 in time for the 2028 rugby league season.
“The new grandstand is the first stage towards realising our full vision for the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct of a national-standard 12,000-capacity rectangular stadium.
“Council has been championing this project for many years and I’m delighted we have reached this key milestone with the start of construction of the North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand.
“Council is proud to partner with the Australian and Queensland governments to deliver this significant project for the Ipswich community.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said it was exciting to see construction of the new Western Grandstand kicking off at the spiritual home of rugby league in Ipswich, giving the facility a new lease of life.
“I was proud to secure $20 million in Australian Government funding for this project for our community that will upgrade the North Ipswich Reserve into a state-of-the-art facility able to host top-level NRL, A-League and rugby matches, as well as concerts and other major events,” Mr Neumann said.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest growing region and a rugby league and sporting powerhouse, so we deserve to have world-class sporting facilities, and this redevelopment will deliver that.
“With momentum building behind a western corridor-based Jets NRL franchise from 2029, it’s fantastic that the grandstand will be completed in 2027 and be ready for a potential new team to enter the national competition.”
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Queensland Government is proud to be providing $10 million to support the Western Grandstand project.
“Ipswich is a proud sporting city and by increasing seating capacity and delivering improved player and spectator amenities, this project will help to create more opportunities for Ipswich to host major sporting events,” Minister Mander said.
“As we build towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we’re cementing Queensland’s place as the home of Australian sport by investing in the facilities clubs need to grow and thrive, attract more events, and create more opportunities for Queenslanders to get involved in sport.”
Buildcorp Managing Director Tony Sukkar AM said the company was excited for the opportunity to be involved in a major project for Ipswich.
“Buildcorp is proud to be delivering the new Western Grandstand at North Ipswich Reserve and to be part of an important investment in the future of the precinct,” Mr Sukkar said.
“We look forward to working closely with Ipswich City Council, the Australian and Queensland Governments and our project partners to deliver a high-quality venue for the Ipswich community.”
Ipswich Jets Group CEO Richard Hughes said the new grandstand will be a significant boost for the club.
“We’ve watched generations of Jets run onto North Ipswich Reserve, so to now see the next chapter of this ground becoming a reality is incredibly special,” Mr Hughes said.
“There is so much history here for our club and for Ipswich, and this project gives us the chance to honour that while creating something the next generation of players, supporters and families can be proud of.
“For the Jets, it is a really significant moment and a genuinely exciting one for the future of our sport in this city.”
Also read:
>> Smooth journey through Ipswich Nature Centre in upgrade milestone
>> Draft plan provides blueprint for growth for western corridor suburbs
