http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/city-complex-a-top-priority/2334246/
Stadium and convention centre to be on Fitzroy River bank
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Proposed CQ NRL Bid stadium, leagues club and convention centre plan - Populous
SHAUN Gallagher believes the time is now for Rockhampton to build a stadium and convention centre.
He represented Populous, the lead consultants behind the design for the proposed $150million complex, during a deputation to Rockhampton councillors yesterday.
"I think the time is now for Rockhampton," Mr Gallagher said.
"I think you're crying out for (a stadium and convention centre).
"The convention centre is an important part of the facility."
He said he only had to look around at Rockhampton's neighbouring regional cities to view how their convention centres were thriving.
CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS ON THE PROPOSED CENTRE
1000: the jobs expected to be created during the construction of the complex
1000: how many seats the convention centre would have
20,000: how many seats the stadium would have
150 million: how much the complex is proposed to cost
745 million: how much the project is expected to generate over five years
There was no doubting councillors agreed with Mr Gallagher, with council unanimously voting to making the stadium and convention centre one of its highest priorities.
Council also endorsed Populous's conclusion that the sporting precinct along the Fitzroy River, only three blocks from the CBD, as the best place for the facility.
With tennis, lawn bowls, swimming and basketball facilities surrounding the proposed site, Mr Gallagher said he felt they were really "bookending" the already existing sporting precinct.
He described the area as a "hard play area".
But parents need not be worried it will be all about "hard play", with the popular Victoria Park on Huish Dve to remain.
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PULLING POWER: An artist?s impression of the 1000-seat convention centre and 20, 000-seat stadium for Rockhampton. The construction could create 1000 full time jobs.
Contributed
Although the CQ Leagues Club would be incorporated into the existing facility, Mr Gallagher explained it might become a viewing deck overlooking the river.
CQ NRL Bid chair Geoff Murphy also joined Mr Gallagher for the deputation.
Using $500,000 of Federal Government funding, the CQ NRL Bid committee hired the internationally-
renowned sporting architects as the lead consultants to investigate sites and design the facility.
Populous also engaged three other consultants for urban and business planning, and flood modelling.
