A new synthetic hockey pitch in the Burringbar Park Facility at the Kedron Wavell Hockey Club, at 21 Kittyhawk Drive, is the subject of a development application lodged by John Giles Associates, a company of architects, planners, and interior designers, in behalf of the Brisbane Hockey Management Group (BHMG). BHMG is an initiative of the Brisbane Hockey Association and Kedron Wavell Services Hockey Club to manage the Burringbar Park site.
Proposed Plans
John Giles Associates’ proposed plans seek to install another “hybrid” synthetic surface hockey pitch on the northern eastern section of the site that will complement the existing synthetic surface pitch. It will be constructed in accordance to the Chermside Centre Neighbourhood Plan (Community Use and Sports Precinct). The new synthetic facility does not require any irrigation system.
Synthetic Facility
Hockey was traditionally played on natural turf. However, synthetic pitches were made mandatory for major competitions in 1976. The development in the Burringbar Park complies with the standards of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). FIH is the international governing body of the sports of hockey that is responsible for the major international tournaments, such as the World Cup.
Due to the changing nature of hockey, there is a greater demand for this modern facility. The construction of an additional synthetic surface hockey pitch is foreseen to ease the demand of this kind of facility across regional Brisbane.
The application stated that the synthetic facility will help in the continued development of the skills of the teams. Upon completion, the development will be utilised for hockey training, matches, and competitions across Brisbane.
Several Upgrades
Although the existing Clubhouse and other hockey pitches will be left untouched, several upgrades and improvements are included in the plan. The existing security fence will be extended and the pitch surround will be improved on the internal kerb and gates. Concrete pathway pitch surrounds will also be constructed.
For better trainings and matches, ball stop nets, open technical and team bench, and electronic scoreboards are included in the field improvements.
The development application is still waiting for BCC’s approval. The community can still lodge their submissions on the BCC PD Online page.