With several clubs beginning their expansion bids earlier than that of the Bombers bid, they knew that acting swiftly was necessary – and the Brisbane Bombers bid has taken that next step towards potential NRL expansion, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC), to have the club’s training based at Doomben Racecourse.
With the BRC themselves close to obtaining full development as approved by the Brisbane City Council, the Bombers are keen to have some space of the precinct set aside for their use, as they look towards NRL expansion for 2015.
For BRC Chief Executive Stephen Ferguson, he said that the entire proposal and agreement, was a major step for the future partnerships and relationships between the BRC and the Bombers bid.
“We already use Doomben for junior and community sport, and the approval of the racecourse redevelopment master plan will enable us to expand the precinct with another football training field, as well as recreational facilities for the community such as a gymnasium and swimming pool,” Ferguson said.
“The BRC has worked hard to develop a vision for the racecourses as a world class racing and mixed-use urban precinct. We would welcome the Brisbane Bombers to Doomben Parklands to help us create a great facility for sports and recreation.”
Craig Davidson, who is the Bombers Bid Executive, said that securing a training ground and facilities was imperative for the bid, as they want to be ready to play NRL when the announcement on expansion is made.
“Doomben Parklands will provide us with an opportunity to use existing infrastructure and space that will make our transition into the NRL streamlined and at the same time affordable,” Davison said.
“Our participation in the Doomben Parklands precinct is an indication of our commitment to being a community based team.”