Stadium a mecca top to bottom

TOWNSVILLE’S new CBD stadium could offer adventure tourism experiences including roof walks to allow the facility to be used 365 days a year.

The idea from Townsville Enterprise chief executive officer Patricia O’Callaghan is among a range of options touted to cement the stadium as a tourism destination.

Planning is still on track for the first sod to be turned in September, with five trade packages already awarded.

The stadium will have WiFi, with the design scope and extent of IT services being developed in consultation with Stadiums Queensland.

The project’s food and beverage consultant is also developing a strategy including vending options in consultation with Stadiums Queensland, who will be responsible for the catering tender process.

It will also house a number of corporate facilities.

Ms O’Callaghan said plenty of research had been going into what would make the stadium fit for many purposes. “Connectivity, food and beverage is really important among the range of ( options),” she said. “It has to be designed for it to be home not just to sports but concerts and festivals.”

Ms O’Callaghan said it was an opportunity for the community to be creative.

“Stadium walks around the top – we want to see it used 365 days a year,” she said. “We shouldn’t miss the opportunity for adventure- type activities.”

While 300 carparks will be created on site, an additional 630 carparks in the Dean St carpark next to the stadium will be available for events.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said it was important it was a multipurpose facility.

“If that means roof walks then that’s great,” he said.

“Even police have looked at possibly … setting up a Police Beat. “People are being very creative around how they are thinking about this stadium being not just a stadium.”

Mr Stewart said he had spoken to several ministers about creating a statue of Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston.

He said the stadium could potentially be home to a North Queensland sports museum.

“It doesn’t have to happen immediately but I think it’s those sorts of seeds we can plant now,” he said.

Stadiums Queensland chief executive Todd Harris said his team was aiming to make the stadium suit as many purposes as possible.

“We’re focused on getting a very high quality designed facility within the budget that’s being provided,” he said.

“There’s been a huge amount of work being done in the background.”