Queensland Roar relocation a boost for Ballymore
The announcement that the Queensland Roar will move its operational base to Ballymore is a major boost for plans to redevelop the complex into a world class sports centre, Queensland Rugby Chairman Peter Lewis said today.
From Monday, November 3 the iconic venue will be the home of both the administrative and football departments of the A-League club, which is currently headquartered at Richlands in Brisbane's west.
Mr Lewis said the move will add impetus to plans to create a world class sports centre at Ballymore.
“This is a vote of confidence in our existing facilities - including what is already the best training surface in Australia - and in our plans to develop this asset to a new level of sporting amenity,” Mr Lewis said.
“Ballymore is big enough for both of us - and hopefully for other sports looking to put down roots in this fantastic location, so close to the CBD.”
The Socceroos recently trained at Ballymore and rated it one of the best training facilities in the country.
Queensland Roar chief executive Lawrence Oudendyk said the club was particularly excited by the redevelopment plans QRU have for the facility and the quality of services which would become available to the club’s playing and coaching staff.
“We believe the redevelopment plans will turn Ballymore into one of the best sporting facilities in Australia and that is an appealing prospect for the club,” he said.
Mr Lewis said the move will help defray some of the costs of maintaining the complex while the QRU works towards revenue generating opportunities that will flow from the proposed redevelopment, currently awaiting development approval by council.
Mr Oudendyk said the move did not signal a change of venue for match days, with the club continuing its current agreement with Suncorp Stadium for Hyundai A-League football fixtures.
