A $4.3 million redevelopment of Queenborough Oval has been completed, delivering new change rooms, accessibility upgrades and a rooftop viewing terrace for three Sandy Bay sporting clubs.
The upgraded precinct is home to Sandy Bay Junior Football Club, Hutchins Old Boys Football Club and South Hobart Sandy Bay Cricket Club, which collectively field about 30 teams across male and female competitions.
The project was funded by the City of Hobart ($2.25 million), the Tasmanian Government ($2 million) and AFL Tasmania ($50,000).
The redevelopment includes new player change rooms, a rooftop viewing terrace, lift and ramp access, a medical room and a multipurpose community space, as well as facilities designed to support female participation.
Deputy Hobart Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock said the project was a significant investment in community sport.
“The redevelopment delivers modern, inclusive and accessible facilities that reflect the needs of our growing sporting community and help remove barriers to participation,” she said.
“We’re particularly pleased to see facilities that better support women and girls in sport, ensuring everyone has access to high-quality amenities and opportunities to participate.”
Tasmanian Sport Minister Nick Duigan said the 700 people who use the precinct would benefit from the upgraded facilities.
“The new changeroom facilities have been designed with a strong focus on supporting women and girls with modern, inclusive and fit-for-purpose changerooms and amenities,” he said.
Sandy Bay Junior Football Club president Mark Herd said the club’s more than 300 junior and youth players, coaches and families had already used the new facilities this season.
“Sandy Bay Junior Football Club has welcomed the new facilities, which combine a modern and innovative design with a much-loved traditional oval that has been the playground and sporting theatre for so many within our community, including the young players who start their footy journey with us,” he said.
Hutchins Old Boys Football Club president Henry Johnstone said the redevelopment had “transformed the precinct into a modern sporting venue while preserving the character and history that have made Queenborough such a significant part of local football for generations.”
South Hobart-Sandy Bay Cricket Club president Kristian Falconer said the project provided a strong foundation for the future of cricket at Queenborough.
“We are particularly excited about the opportunities the new multi-purpose space will create for club events, community activities and bringing people together both on and off the field this coming summer,” he said.
