The Ipswich region is set to reap big benefits once a new community arena in Springfield Central, known as The Reserve, opens in late 2021.
An estimated 200,000 people are expected to visit The Reserve each year to see the Brisbane Lions hit the field, after the club announced it would relocate its women’s team to the Springfield site fulltime.
Mayor Teresa Harding said benefits to the local community would be significant.
“It will be fantastic to have Queensland’s biggest sporting club – the Brisbane Lions – call Ipswich home,” Mayor Harding said.
“More than 240 jobs are being created during construction of the facility, and there will be an estimated 785 jobs when it’s up and running.
“These will be outstanding facilities right on our doorstep that will be readily available for Ipswich residents to use.
“Local families can enjoy the wide open spaces and relaxed feel, while our region’s up and coming sports stars can take full advantage of the stadium and facilities to keep developing their athletic prowess.”
The Reserve is set to transform the match day experience for Brisbane Lions fans. Image: Brisbane Lions
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said it would be a shot in the arm for the local economy.
“The women’s team attracts around 5,000 spectators to each match, which means thousands of people will be looking for things to do and places to eat or stay in Ipswich before or after they attend a game,” Cr Jonic said.
“It’s a great opportunity for local businesses, especially our hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors, to grow with The Reserve.
“There will also be an opportunity for local businesses and community groups to use the venue for their events and meetings.
“The Reserve is set to become an important hub for our community.”
As well as the 10,000 seat boutique stadium, The Reserve will have community education and meeting spaces, a café and bar, a swimming pool and car parking facilities. Images: Brisbane Lions
Brisbane Lions Infrastructure, Strategy and Government Relations general manager Jake Anson said the club was excited about introducing its fan base to the Ipswich region.
“We’re confident that our Brisbane Lions supporters will come out to Springfield on a regular basis to spend the day out there and attend our matches,” Mr Anson said.
“That’s not only inbound from the local region, but also nationally. It’s not uncommon for our women’s matches to have several hundred interstate tourists attending and travelling with the teams.
“Some of which are family and friends of players, but many who are just looking at the fixture and seeing an opportunity to come to our beautiful part of the world to spend a weekend and to marry it in with their passion for footy.”
Springfield City Group’s marketing and communications director Naren Sinnathamby said he was proud to have the fastest growing national sporting code in the Ipswich region.
“I haven’t spoken to a single person in the region who is not absolutely excited about this project,” Mr Sinnathamby said.
Construction of The Reserve is expected to be completed by September 2021, with the Brisbane Lions due to move in during the 2021 summer off season.
The stadium’s preliminary earthworks have been completed, with the construction phase set to commence in the coming months. Image: Brisbane Lions
Question – Aren’t the grounds near the Ipswich Town Bridge known as “The Reserve”?????
How many of these jobs that are created in the construction phase will be for Ipswich residents?