New season to open centre

Councillor Paul Tully near the site of the proposed corporate function centre at North Ipswich Reserve.

Claudia Baxter

A $6 MILLION corporate function centre at North Ipswich Reserve should be ready for the start of next year’s rugby league season.

Plans have been approved for the new function centre, jointly funded by the Federal Government and Ipswich City Council, to be built overlooking the Bremer River.

Council Planning and Development Committee chairman Paul Tully said it would be a welcome addition to Ipswich’s sporting and entertainment precinct.

“The centre is planned for construction between two existing sporting grounds and has been made possible with the help of a $3.3 million grant from the Federal Government’s Better Regions Program. The council is putting in $2.7 million.

“The corporate function centre, which includes two function rooms, a bar, kitchen and large balcony overlooking the Bremer River will allow residents to enjoy their sport even more. This type of centre means sports clubs can provide quality facilities during large sporting carnivals, club competitions and training events,” Cr Tully said.

He said tenders would be called next week and construction was expected to start next month and be finished by the start of the next rugby league season.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the development work would allow Ipswich to continue supporting sporting events.

“Refurbishment work will be done to the existing car park with plans to build a bus stop and parking bay along The Terrace, meaning safer drop-off zones for busloads of local and visiting athletes,” Mr Neumann said.

Division Five Councillor Heather Morrow said the function centre would be a wonderful meeting place for friends and families.

“With sporting grounds on either side and being so close to the city I expect this facility to be well-patronised by Ipswich residents,” she said.