New images of the entertainment and active health precinct currently under construction in Springfield have been released exclusive to the Guardian and Tribune. 

In early 2022, the precinct will become home to the Brisbane Lions Australian Football Club and will seat 10,000 spectators. 

The state-of-the-art training and support centre will include several new community-based hospitality services, health and early learning facilities as well as become the new training and playing facility for AFL Women’s matches. 

Brisbane Lion’s General Manager for Infrastructure, Strategy and Government Relations, Jake Anson said the current training facilities at the Gabba were more than 20-years-old and were originally only fitted out for one men’s team. 

“Our Club and the AFL industry has professionalised and grown a lot in twenty-years, and we have outgrown the Gabba,” he said.

“We cannot fit female training facilities there. Our women’s team trains from a community oval at Yeronga. 

“We lack space for our support staff, storage and the Lions’ off-field staff are also cramped in offices there.”

Mr Anson says the new AFL facility will resemble a mix of educational spaces for universities, as well as a ‘cutting-edge gym’ and athletic recovery spaces.

“It’s essential to have year-round access to two ovals as our programs for professional men and women and our Academy teams now run year-round.”

The Springfield stadium will also feature on-site catering facilities which will specialise in personalised nutrition for athletes. Additionally, there will be an indoor artificial turf training field which, according to Mr Anson, will improve training outcomes in extreme heat and wet weather, allowing the Lions players to enhance their technical skills.

The idea behind the on-site childcare facility too is to support female players. 

“Having access to childcare facilities on-site will be an asset to our staff and especially to our growing cohort of female players and support staff. 

“We are excited to be building these amenities in a design that will allow local residents to access most of the spaces and facilities, including the gym, learning, childcare and café amenities.

Thirty-three sites were proposed during an expression of interest process and Mr Anson said the site put forward by the Ipswich City Council ranked highly in all the categories the organisation was looking for including proximity to the Gabba, transport connections, nearby infrastructure and capacity for future growth. 

“It was by far the most suitable choice for our Club’s new home. 

“It’s an added benefit that we get to engage with Queensland’s fastest growing region and its residents.”

Aligning with the rapid population growth, Mr Anson said independent economic modelling forecast 250 jobs would be created during construction and 750 local jobs once the arena opens. 

“The Lions are Queensland’s largest sporting club by turnover and membership, and we will bring lots of national media and business attention to the region via our wonderful broadcast and sponsor partners.”

The organisation is also driving the world of women’s AFL in a positive direction. 

“It will offer a proper arena to showcase exciting football and the talent of our AFL Women’s team,” he said. 

“Women play an exciting game and the sport is quickly professionalising for females. 

“They play an exciting style of football and the absence of a suitable arena has restricted the number of spectators that can enjoy their games and the exposure that our team can get on television.

“The lack of broadcast lighting at community ovals has meant the Lions have missed out on playing at the best times for families and broadcasters and we have had to cop mid-afternoon fixtures in the Brisbane Summer heat. 

“To date, the Lions women’s team has had professional support but amateur facilities. 

“In many cases the women are balancing full-time employment or study with an intense football program.

“It’s essential that their environment at the Club helps them to be their best.

“The Lions are very excited to see construction progress prior to Christmas and we remain on track for the arena to open in early 2022.”