Lush, green fields and netball courts await thousands of Ipswich sportspeople – both players and supporters – with the opening of the $56 million Springfield Central Sporting Complex.
Queensland Sport Minister Mick de Brenni (pictured below, kicking ball), local Member for Jordan Charis Mullen (pictured below, shooting netball) and Ipswich Interim Administrator Greg Chemello joined Lendlease and Springfield City Group officials on Thursday to officially cut the ribbon on the single biggest boost to sporting facilities in the city’s history.
Designed by global infrastructure, environmental and social development company Cardno, the 22.5-hectare sporting precinct located on Sportstar Drive, Springfield Central, includes 16 netball courts, eight tennis courts, four multi-purpose sporting fields, three club houses with canteens/amenities, two playgrounds and ample car parking.
Ipswich City Council will manage the facilities and has signed lease agreements with local sporting clubs such as Springfield United and Western Pride football clubs, Springfield Lakes and South West Wildcats netball clubs, Greater Springfield Sports (AFL and cricket) and Rugby League Ipswich.
A grand opening event will take place on Sunday 13 October from 10am to 1pm with a guest appearance from Brisbane Heat Big Bash and Australian representative cricketer Chris Lynn.
Mr Chemello said the complex would not only benefit sports participants, but also help the Ipswich community become active and healthy.
“Developers play an important role when it comes to shaping new and modern communities,” he said.
“Like most of the urban infrastructure in Springfield, these sporting fields were funded by developer contributions and the facilities handed to council for ongoing management.
“Ipswich has a proud sporting heritage. These new sporting fields are set to be home to numerous sporting clubs and will no doubt see the emergence of a new generation of sporting stars. More importantly, they’ll provide the catalyst for an active and healthy community.
“Ipswich is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, so it is important – when planning for our future – that council and developers incorporate the necessary community infrastructure for the waves of new residents across the city.”
Smart features like LED lighting have been installed to ensure no shadows appear on the fields and courts, while 2000 recycled plastic bollards have been used as barriers to car zones. There will be about 600 car park available.
Lendlease’s Development Director for Springfield Rise Ian Murray was proud of the finished facilities.
“Sport is an important part of Australian culture and for good reason: it brings people together, fosters a sense of belonging, creates lasting friendships and a sense of pride,” he said.
“We had a collective vision to create a world-class amenity and top-quality infrastructure so it’s a major milestone to officially open the district’s largest sporting precinct, in one of Queensland’s fastest growing corridors and right on the doorstep of our second master-planned community, Springfield Rise at Spring Mountain.
“The complex has been designed to be the central hub, catering to the needs of this thriving community. The facilities will attract a diverse range of ages and sporting interests, as well as focusing on the lifestyle and benefits to generate a positive sense of health and wellbeing.
“The commitment to our precincts, strengthens our belief in creating the best places and to encourage social interaction.”
Sunday’s community open day will feature come-and-try sessions across numerous sports, including soccer, league, union, football, tennis and netball, with clubs hoping to sign up new members.
There will be marquees and food stalls with other council-supported events on the two fields between the tennis and netball courts.
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