Otium Planning appointed to complete the Major Hockey Infrastructure Feasibility Study

Hockey Queensland has recently appointed Otium Planning to complete the Hockey Queensland Major Hockey Infrastructure Feasibility Study.

The Study will review the options for a new or redeveloped home of hockey in Queensland, with the goal of expanding playing opportunities for the hockey community in Brisbane.

The upgraded infrastructure would also better support Hockey Queensland’s High Performance programs and national High Performance events.

Furthermore, the establishment of a new venue could serve as a permanent location for the 2032 Olympic Games, facilitating the hosting of international competitions and events during the Green & Gold Runway leading up to and following the Games.

Alison Lyons, CEO of Hockey Queensland, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with Otium emphasizing the importance of addressing the infrastructure requirements, “Hockey Queensland are delighted to work with Otium on this very important project. Regardless of the forthcoming Olympic Games in Brisbane, Hockey Queensland needs to address the infrastructure needs of our largest playing membership in Brisbane. The aging State Hockey Centre is no longer fit for purpose and the need for more playing surfaces is critical to grow our game. If in the long run this Study also provides new opportunities for an Olympic venue then we are very much open to securing this lasting legacy.”

Otium Planning group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy renowned for their expertise in planning, facility development, management, and funding in the sport, recreation, and leisure sectors across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific region.

They bring extensive experience in the planning and management of infrastructure projects related to high-performance sports and major sporting events, including previous involvement in Olympic and Commonwealth Games planning.

Currently, Otium is engaged in multiple projects relating to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games planning. Project Director Jason Leslie, with his intimate knowledge of hockey as the former CEO of the State Hockey Centre and Toowoomba Hockey Association, as well as his experience as a Director of the Toowoomba Hockey Association, adds a valuable perspective to the team.

“Otium is excited to partner with Hockey Queensland on such an important project. In the lead-up to the 2032 Games, there is a unique opportunity to ensure sports infrastructure outcomes provide the best legacy for our communities. This objective is the essence of the feasibility study to ensure hockey benefits from these opportunities now and into the future,” stated Otium Director Jason Leslie.

The study has commenced with consultations involving the community and industry stakeholders. In the coming weeks, a survey will be released to gather feedback from Hockey Queensland members regarding the infrastructure requirements for hockey in Brisbane. The final report is anticipated to be completed by September 2023.