$4.2 million sporting venue added at UQ

University of Queensland athletes and club members now have access to $4.2 million worth of new sporting and function space amenities at UQ’s St Lucia campus.

Building 53C, situated on Sir William MacGregor Drive, is a multi-sport facility co-funded by the University and Queensland Government.

UQ’s Australian Football (AFL) and Football (Soccer) Clubs will be the primary users of the new amenities, while the UQ Cricket Club will stage selected matches at the venue.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni and UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Dunne opened the venue, providing greater opportunities for the wider Brisbane community to be more active.

“Building 53C is a first-class multi-use sporting facility which will make a huge difference to hundreds of passionate sportsmen and women every week,” Minister de Brenni said.

“We are proud to have supported this project with a $1.2 million funding commitment through the Queensland Government’s Get Playing Plus program.

“This funding is in addition to more than $70,000 that has been allocated to 11 UQ sporting clubs since 2015 under our Get Going Clubs initiative, allowing clubs to purchase equipment and deliver education and training programs.”

The facility features 12 changing rooms, 10 storage spaces, and three rooms for physiotherapy and first aid treatment.

It also includes bench seating for spectators, as well as six gender-neutral toilets, and one People with Disability (PWD) toilet.

The venue also includes a function space, known as The Pavilion, which boasts a dual-function servery and outdoor terrace areas.

It is equipped with audio-visual equipment and can stage sit-down, cocktail or lecture-style events for up to 100 guests.

Professor Tim Dunne said the new facility was part of upgrades being made to UQ’s riverfront Recreational Precinct.

“Updating and establishing sporting facilities at UQ is a continual exercise, but also very rewarding for the happiness we witness it bring to the local and student community,” Professor Dunne said.

“Building 53C is the latest Recreational Precinct project to be completed, and follows the extension of our beach volleyball courts, and the installation of new outdoor basketball and netball courts.”

The space will also be utilised for UQ Sport for its College, Social and Kids Sport programs.

Media: Jamie Mitchell, UQ Sport, JamieM@uqsport.com.au, 0423 785 752.