Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade to be delayed by 12 months

The planned major upgrade of Sunshine Coast Stadium is to be delayed by 12 months as a result of a failure to secure an appropriate tenderer for the project.

With the Queensland Government entering caretaker mode earlier this week in advance of the upcoming election, the delay was advised in an update from the incumbent administration.

The $148 million upgrade planned for the venue ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games was among several sporting venue projects that went out to tender in May this year. However, negotiations to-date have failed to lock in an appropriate party to deliver the expansion.

It is understood the delay by the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority in awarding a contract to complete the upgrade has pushed initial works back by 12 months.

Early works on the stadium site in Kawana are now expected to begin late next year.

The revised timeline for the redevelopment estimates construction on the site to be completed in 2028, if a contract is awarded by the Queensland Government at the end of the caretaker period.

Advising that the delay was a welcomed decision from the club’s perspective, Sunshine Coast Falcons Chief Executive, Chris Flannery “it makes things a lot easier for us that’s for sure being able to stay at home and play out another season in familiar surroundings.

“It’s unfortunately not great for the timeline of the redeveloped stadium plans but it’s great for us and it’ll definitely be a boost for our playing aspirations.”

Confirming that the contract will now be awarded after the state election, a spokesperson for the Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said the contract will now be awarded after the state election.

The spokesperson noted “the tender process for the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade is still being progressed and due to caretaker arrangements, the contract will now be approved and finalised after the state election.

“Early stadium works will commence in 2025, with completion targeted for the 2028 winter sports season, well before the 2032 Games.

“In the meantime the stadium will continue to function as normal and impacts for user groups will be minimised as the tender process progresses.”

A Sunshine Coast Council spokeswoman said the delay meant another season of rugby league could now be held at the venue, noting “while the delay is disappointing, it does mean the stadium can continue to operate as the premier venue for sport, leisure, and entertainment on the Sunshine Coast.”

Image shows the current concept for the redeveloped Sunshine Coast Stadium.