William Taylor Memorial Sports Field precinct

Announcement

Stage 2 works update: Council is undertaking works from late May to December 2026 that include expansion of existing carpark; upgrade to drainage infrastructure; new lighting; turnaround area at western end; new driveway and lockable gate at Frank Street; nature strip between kerb and footpath; and loading/drop-off zone near Ivy Street.
Works will be carried out Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm.

  • Project scheduleStage 1 delivered October 2024; Stage 2: completion by June 2027; Stages 3 and 4: subject to future planning and budget prioritisation

Project overview

Planning for the upgrade of the precinct began in 2020 after a review identified ageing and poor condition of the multiple recreation and sporting facilities including soccer, tennis, cricket and netball.

Community consultation on the site layout in 2022 helped inform the development of a precinct-wide master plan that provided a clear strategic direction for a staged delivery of the precinct, and ensuring the upgrade responded to sporting industry standards, community needs and potential funding opportunities.

At the 15 October 2025 General Meeting, Council endorsed the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field master plan. This endorsement set a new benchmark as it was the first time Council undertook precinct-level master planning for an existing sporting facility.

Current stage

The current stage of the project (Stage 2) is fully funded by Council together with the Australian and Queensland Governments under the South East Queensland Liveability fund, which supports projects that create livable, creative, sustainable and healthy communities.     

Stage 2: Recreation zone and car park upgrade

Key activities

Detailed design underway with construction to commence mid 2026
  • New cricket club nets 
  • Cricket club storage relocation
  • New carpark lighting
  • Upgrade and extension to existing car park through to Frank Street
  • Drainage to improve stormwater flow from the sports fields and around the clubhouse
  • Enhancements to pedestrian connectivity
Detailed design underway with construction to commence late 2026
  • New district-level skatepark 
  • New and upgraded BMX track 
  • New pétanque area
  • New multi-court and rebound activity wall
  • Upgrades to public amenities

Community consultation

Workshops for the concept design of the skatepark and BMX track were held in 2022 and 2025. Feedback from the consultation confirmed the proposed new facilities will be positively received and well utilised. Tenant and sporting clubs are regularly engaged with during the life of the project. For more information on the community consultation visit: 

William Taylor Upgrade

Future stages

Stage 3: Sports field upgrade

Currently at the planning and will look at upgrades to the existing sports fields on the site including drainage and lighting improvements. This stage is subject to future planning and budget prioritisation and/or successful funding applications.

Stage 4: Clubhouse and playground

Currently at the planning stage and will look at upgrading the existing clubhouse and consolidation of change rooms and toilet facilities. This stage is subject to future planning and budget prioritisation and/or successful funding applications.

Past stages

In 2021, four tennis courts were re-opened after being renewed with a premium sports surface, new lighting, fencing, gates, nets and net posts. The existing tennis court shelters also received new lighting and had their roofs repaired while the two public cricket nets were renewed and relocated.

Stage 1

Stage 1 delivered in October 2024 included installation of new light poles and LED lighting on the main football field. Benefits of the new lighting include:

  • Enhanced visibility: provides clearer and brighter illumination for safer playing conditions during night matches and training sessions
  • Energy efficiency: LED lighting consumes significantly less energy resulting in lower electricity bills for the club and reduced environmental impact
  • Longer lifespan: LED fixtures require fewer replacements, minimising maintenance costs and downtime
  • Reduced light pollution: directs light more effectively onto the field, reducing light spills and minimising disruption to nearby residents
  • Superior coverage: ensures consistent lighting across the field.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the site need a new layout?

The precinct-wide master plan was driven by multiple factors including an increase in sport participation, particularly amongst women, a rise in demand for space to accommodate emerging and growth sports such as pickleball and skate boarding, and a need to replace ageing assets. Through this master plan, Council aims to deliver a modern, high-quality venue that meets the needs and aspirations of all site users – including the tenant clubs and their players.

Will the new site layout improve drainage across the site?

The site is flat and low-lying and subject to stormwater inundation, flooding and blockages. Options to address drainage issues around the club house and netball areas are part of the detailed design phase in Stage 2 and include installation of new culverts to improve stormwater flow and reprofiling of the swales to reduce ponding after rain events to improve site use.

Drainage solutions to the sports fields will be investigated as part of the planning and design of Stage 3 of the master plan.

Will there be more car parking?

Yes. The endorsed master plan includes approximately 70 additional car parks across the site, including DDA compliant spaces and drop off zones for improved accessibility, bringing the total number of car parks to 118.

Will trees be cleared?

Determining if any trees will be removed will be considered throughout each stage of the project during planning and design and is subject to expert advice from specialist consultants. 

How has wildlife been considered?

Minimal impact to wildlife is expected as the master plan design proposes to work within the existing trees and vegetation where possible. The existing drainage system is proposed to be retained, improved or modified in situ, with cleaning and removal of weeds enhancing drainage capacity and flow.

What is planned for the BMX track and skatepark?

The existing jump track will be replaced with a new and upgraded BMX track with new obstacles and challenges. The current skatepark will be replaced with a new district-level skatepark. Final concept design for the skatepark and BMX can be found on this page.

Will the Pétanque court be removed?

No. The Pétanque court is a well-used and important feature of the site and the design will include a replacement court and associated infrastructure.

How will the clubs be informed about changes?

Tenant clubs and sporting clubs who use the site facilities are being kept up-to-date in a number of ways including face-to-face meetings at Council, onsite, e-newsletter and email notifications.

How will site users, neighbours and local community be kept informed?

Council will keep the community informed about the project via this webpage, social media, notifications, and site signage.

Location

William Taylor Memorial Sports Field, Mooroondu Rd, Thorneside 4158  View Map

Google Map

Contact details

Contact the team
rcc@redland.qld.gov.au

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