MULTI USE CENTRE: Convention Centre & Stadium Facilities
Keppel Bay Convention Centre and Sporting Hub
Update Aug 23: Turning of the sod 13th July 2023. Some unexpected delays in excavation, but still on track for completion May/June 2024.
Project Manager local Brian Hooper (Architect)- 240 dinner seated and up to 400 theatre style (in potentially multiple rooms). https://capricornenterprise.com.au/2023/07/construction-begins-for-capricorn-coast-conference-centre/
The federal government committed $20 million investment in the proposed Keppel Bay Convention Centre and Sporting Hub (KBCSH).
Flagged as a regional priority project as identified in the 2014-2020 Capricorn Destination Tourism Plan, the proposed development will bring 298 jobs to the region during construction and 272 direct local jobs once operational. The Economic Impact Assessment report found the project would inject $11.1 million into the regional economy annually and $39.8 million during construction.
The KBCSG will contribute to the visitor economy to our region which is reliant upon both holiday and business travellers. Attracting more business travellers to the Capricorn Coast who then become holiday travellers, needs a business convention centre on the coast.
The Keppel Bay Sailing Club announced in 2018 their visionary plan to develop a sporting, tourism and events hub in Yeppoon. The proposed development includes a new 1,000 seat convention centre, 128 room hotel, multi-level car parking to support the new foreshore development, new retail spaces and a pedestrian link bridge between facilities. Read more
Proposed Keppel Bay Convention and Sporting Hub; Source: KBSC
News:
15 February 2022 Keppel Bay Sailing and Convention Centre jumps significant hoop securing local, award-winning architect
9th November 2021 Keppel Bay Sailing and Convention Centre project underway
19th August 2021 $20M Keppel Bay Convention Centre on track
21 January 2019 Keppel Bay Sailing Club media release
24 April 2019 Keppel Bay Convention Centre and Sporting Hub receives $20 Million commitment media release
$23 million announced for Rocky Stadium
Update Aug 23: The Development Application (DA) has been lodged with Rockhampton Regional Council (RRC) and undergoing request period – Code Assessable, not Impact. While a Material Change of Use (MCU) does not apply with an advertising period for submissions, part of the Lease conditions with Department of Natural Resources requires public notification. Due to construction costs, the number of seats has been scaled down to 6,000 plus the conference facility, but the capacity remains to host significant states events. Stage 1 will now hopefully commence Feb/March 2024 (formerly mid June 2023) which will include the 6,000 fixed seats, 6 change rooms and be of quality international standard. Stage 2 will include the conference room with the entire project undergoing an 18 month build, completed expected mid to late 2025.
(Note: the Stadium at Brown Park $25M State funds will create stage 1 – 4,000 seats) https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90863
Following a federally-funded ($250,000) feasibility study conducted in 2013/14 by global stadium design experts, Populous, which considered stadium trends and world-wide benchmarking, it was found that the Lion Creek Road (Rocky Sports Club site) premises was the preferred site, perfectly suited as the essential ingredient in the urban matrix pulling the community together. Read the media release: capricornenterprise.com.au/2020/09/capricorn-enterprise-welcomes-announcement-of-23-million-for-rocky-stadium/
