Harvey Road Sports and Events Precinct Business Case
Gladstone Regional Council
Purpose
After successfully hosting a Titans versus Sea Eagles game in 2018, Gladstone Regional Council recognised the potential to host more frequent NRL games. However, the need to upgrade the city's rugby league facility to adequately host such games became evident. In 2019, the Council initiated planning efforts however due to stakeholder resistance to the proposed plans, a project reassessment became necessary. A Business Case was necessary to thoroughly assess the options, potential, and limitations of the entire sports precinct. This included conducting a cost-benefit analysis. To enhance the Business Case's findings and ensure the project's feasibility, the Council decided to run a concurrent Technical Feasibility Assessment for the site.
Approach
CPR Group adopted a stakeholder-centred approach to the Business Case. An options analysis was conducted using visual concept maps and close consultation with facility users and other stakeholders (guided by IAP2 principles) to determine the most appropriate precinct layout, corroborated by the Technical Feasibility Assessment.
CPR Group's expertise in large-scale project cost-benefit analyses was utilised, incorporating financial forecasting to prioritise long-term viability, and factoring in ongoing operations and maintenance costs proportional to capital investment costs. The project also documented broader economic and social impacts. An options analysis for facility governance and management was conducted, along with a transitional strategy for staged construction to ensure uninterrupted operation for occupant clubs.
Outcomes
Gladstone Regional Council is currently using the Business Plan to seek external project funding. The project addresses challenges at the existing facility, aiming to reduce maintenance burdens on ageing infrastructure, unify facility management to enable the attraction of larger regional, state and national level >6 field events, resolve usage conflicts, and overcome previous limitations preventing NRL games. It also fills the gap for a large outdoor event venue in Gladstone.
The project focuses on creating an iconic yet versatile facility that's functional for daily use and adaptable for large events, prioritising community needs. The proposed operating model targets efficient usage, sustainability, and financial feasibility, striking a balance between maintenance costs and income generation.
