Construction begins on Stockland Park's new grandstand

Construction has begun on the new grandstand at Stockland Park on the Sunshine Coast.

The 1,000 plus seat grandstand will be a key feature of improvements to the regional football stadium that is already home to the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles Rugby League Club, the Sunshine Coast Fire Football Club, and the Sunshine Coast Stingrays Rugby Union Club - each of who compete in State wide competitions.

Having constructed the main rectangular sport field at Stockland Park to national standards, the Sunshine Coast Council in conjunction with Quad Park Corporation facilitated further development of the precinct by approving the construction of a grandstand with high standard player and spectator facilities that will comply with State Sports Venue standards.

Speaking of the development, Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot said he was delighted that Council has been backed by the Federal Government under its Better Regions Program to jointly fund the $10 million development, bringing to an end, years of planning and at times frustration.

Mayor Abbot stated "I congratulate my fellow councillors for supporting this project and providing the necessary leadership to ensure the Quad Park Corporation remained operational and the grandstand is delivered.

"The new grandstand will provide a huge boost to a wide range of sporting and community events, and will also provide a whole new experience for spectators."

Quad Park Corporation Chair and Sunshine Coast Division 3 Councillor Keryn Jones agreed with the mayor, stating "it has been a big task to pull this project together within the $10 million budget but the result is evident in the design and procurement of the project - including the awarding of the tender to Hutchinson Builders who have a strong local presence.

"This grandstand will be the first building block , the heart of the future stadium, which can be expanded upon as needs grow and funds permit.

"What we will deliver by June 2011 is a facility that will meet the needs of our community in the short to medium term for both our regional and senior teams - as well as a venue that our junior competitors can utilise for major events and finals.

"There is no doubt this high standard venue will be the catalyst to boost sports business in the region, however, it will also offer much wider entertainment opportunities for the Sunshine Coast community through activities such as concerts, extreme sports demonstrations and the like."

The grandstand will incorporate:

• Over 1,000 covered, tiered seats;
• Three levels incorporate a ground floor, mezzanine and concourse levels.
• Four air conditioned player change room facilities on the ground floor with each set of two having connecting doors to enable 2 large change room;
• Spectator toilets on both the ground and mezzanine levels;
• Concourse level located to rear of top tier seating provides views to both the main field and the east bank of Lake Kawana;
• Fully enclosed, air conditioned media box and control office in central location on the concourse level;
• Two fully enclosed, air conditioned coaches’ boxes located on the concourse level either side of the media box and control office;
• Live broadcast camera platform;
• Sideline benches for players and officials;
• Ticket and entry control point at street level;
• Permanent catering facilities located on ground floor and on the concourse level;
• Corporate hospitality facilities and seating;
• Corporate function lounge including bar and views to the field and to Lake Kwinana;
• Medical room located adjacent to change rooms on ground floor;
• Anti-doping facility adjacent to the change rooms on the ground floor;
• Match officials change room located on ground floor.

The adjoining field layout will primarily be configured for sports requiring a rectangular playing surface, however, it does have the flexibility to accommodate oval sports such as cricket and AFL has been retained.

The design of the Grandstand incorporates environmentally sustainable features which utilise cost-effective technology to minimise impacts on the environment. These includes:

• Rain water harvesting and water saving features.
• Solar panels feeding into the grid.
• Solar performance glass
• Solar blinds on the western facade
• Passive energy conservation measures to minimise energy consumption without reducing accommodation standards
• Low maintenance materials
• Low VOC paints
• Energy efficient appliances
• A screen on the western façade to reduce cooling demand.

The development is scheduled for completion and opening in June 2011.

For more information go to www.stocklandpark.com.au