The City of Hobart has completed the major redevelopment of Queenborough Oval, delivering modern, accessible facilities that will support community sport for generations to come.
The $4.3 million project was funded through a partnership between the City of Hobart ($2.25 million), the Tasmanian Government ($2 million) and AFL Tasmania ($50,000).
The redevelopment provides upgraded facilities for the South Hobart Sandy Bay Cricket Club, Hutchins Old Boys Football Club and Sandy Bay Junior Football Club, as well as local schools and the broader community.
Key features include new player change rooms with a rooftop viewing terrace, expanded public amenities, improved accessibility through a new lift and ramp, a medical room, multipurpose community space and modern facilities designed to better support female participation in sport.
Deputy Hobart Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock said the project was a significant investment in community sport and recreation and would have lasting benefits for current and future generations of athletes.
Queenborough Oval is home to three major sporting clubs that collectively field dozens of teams across cricket and football competitions, including one of Tasmania's strongest junior female football programs.
The completion of the redevelopment ensures Queenborough Oval remains a premier destination for community sport, recreation and events, while preserving its role as a valued gathering place for the Sandy Bay community.
The project forms part of the City of Hobart's broader capital works program, which will deliver more thanove 50 projects across the municipality this year, including stormwater upgrades, road resurfacing and footpath improvements.
The City plans to invest $33.7 million through its capital works program this year, with $24.3 million funded directly through the annual budget and the remainder supported by state and federal government grants. More than $16.2 million will be spent upgrading roads and footpaths, while $7.4 million is earmarked for replacing ageing stormwater infrastructure.
Residents can view the full program at www.hobartcity.com.au/Capital-works-project-map.
Quotes to be attributed to Deputy Hobart Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock:
"Queenborough Oval has long been an important sporting and community hub, and these upgraded facilities ensure it will continue to serve local players, volunteers, families and supporters well into the future.
"The redevelopment delivers modern, inclusive and accessible facilities that reflect the needs of our growing sporting community and help remove barriers to participation.
"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.
"The City of Hobart is proud to have partnered with the Tasmanian Government and AFL Tasmania on this important project, which strengthens community sport and helps foster healthy, active lifestyles."
Quotes to be attributed to Tasmanian Minister for Sport Nick Duigan:
Minister for Sport, Nick Duigan, said it was fantastic that the 700 users of this community precinct will have improved facilities.
"The Tasmanian Government is pleased to have provided funding towards to construction of inclusive changerooms to help bring facilities up to current standards and expectations.
"Our Government, through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, is committed to giving Tasmanians the sporting infrastructure they need to succeed, which is what these upgrades are about.
"The upgrades will play a vital role in supporting and growing participation of women and girls in sport.
"This partnership approach has ensured that Queenborough Oval can continue to serve the community for decades to come. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this project to life."
Quotes to be attributed to AFL Tasmania Venue & Government Partnerships Manager Anthony Osborn:
"AFL Tasmania is proud to have partnered with the City of Hobart and the Tasmanian Government to contribute to this significant redevelopment through the Tasmanian Community Football Facilities Fund.
"Queenborough Oval has long been an important hub for local sport, and these upgraded facilities will ensure all participants can enjoy a modern, inclusive and accessible venue for many years to come.
"The Tasmanian Community Football Facilities Fund is available to drive community facility improvements that better meet the needs of today's community football environment. This investment will help support participation growth and strengthen the role Queenborough Oval plays at the heart of the local sporting community."
Quotes to be attributed to Sandy Bay Junior Football Club President Mark Herd:
"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.
"Our club, including over 300 junior and youth players, coaches and families have enjoyed the new facilities this season and look forward to the great benefit they will provide for the current and future generations of young footballers, as the State transitions into an exciting new era of AFL and AFLW footy in the coming years."
Quotes to be attributed to South Hobart-Sandy Bay Cricket Club President Kristian Falconer:
"The completion of the project provides a fantastic foundation for the future of cricket at Queenborough, and 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."
Quotes to be attributed to Hutchins Old Boys Football Club President Henry Johnstone:
"The redevelopment of Queenborough has been a tremendous outcome for Hutchins School Old Boys Football Club and the wider community. The investment has 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.
"Our Senior Men, Reserves and Women's teams have all benefited from the upgraded facilities throughout the season. Improved player amenities, including modernised bathroom facilities, have enhanced the experience for players, officials and visiting teams, while the upgraded spectator areas have created a more enjoyable and welcoming environment for members, families and supporters on match days."
