Brisbane firm to design new Queensland State Velodrome

Brisbane-based firm Cox Rayner Architects will design the new $55 million Queensland State Velodrome project, a facility integral to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the success of the firm in designing the facility would keep dollars in the local economy and underpin jobs throughout Brisbane.

“We promised Queenslanders better infrastructure and planning and our delivery of 2018 Commonwealth Games Venues is a great example of that,” Mr Seeney said.

“The design and construction of these facilities will provide a lasting legacy for Queenslanders to enjoy long after the Games is over, proving that we have a strong plan for a brighter future for the State.

“The Games will inject an estimated $2 billion into our economy and create up to 30,000 full time equivalent jobs.

“A world-class velodrome will be built at the Sleeman Sports Complex beside the SuperX BMX track, setting the complex up to become a cycling mecca.”

Mr Seeney said Cox Rayner Architects’ submission scored highly in terms of capability, relevant experience, comparative cost and knowledge of the sports complex.

“The firm’s winning design capitalises on south-east Queensland’s sub-tropical climate and conservation surrounds,” he said.

“Its’ streamlined roof design will overcome the weather limitations of the existing outdoor velodrome, which was built for the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.

“The new velodrome will also provide a world class timber track, whereas the existing velodrome’s track is made of concrete.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey welcomed this important milestone in the delivery of the new Queensland State Velodrome.

“We are on track to provide 17 new and refurbished venues for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The Queensland State Velodrome will be one of two sporting venues located in Brisbane for the Commonwealth Games – the other is the Belmont Shooting Range.

“The tourism legacy from delivering these world-class sporting facilities will provide benefits to Queenslanders for generations to come.”

Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin said his local community stood to reap substantial benefits from the new velodrome at the Sleeman Sports Centre.

“The new velodrome will be located at the southern-most end of the Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler, which will allow the current velodrome to remain in use while construction of the new facility is underway,” Mr Minnikin said.

“The amenity and visual aesthetics of the complex will significantly improve with the construction of the $55 million velodrome.

“And it won’t just benefit sports lovers – the cafe planned in the development and improved green spaces will provide an atmosphere all Chatsworth residents will enjoy.”

[ENDS] 13 June 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744

**Editor's note images attached