Cairns Hockey Park

Following a consultation-led masterplanning process, a centrally located bifurcated grandstand was identified as the linchpin. Linking the Reef and Rainforest hockey pitches, this facility is envisioned as a multipurpose hub for spectator seating, outdoor gathering, clubhouse bar and kiosk. Flanked by a new amenities building and ‘front door’, the grandstand moves the focus from the boundary to the heart of the site. The butterfly roof expresses the hinging nature of the building – a pivot for site circulation opening up to both hockey pitches. Raising the grandstand a storey off the ground plane allows circulation to pass under the building whilst the upper level connects the ground via its terraced lawn, ‘The Hill’. This raised lawn combines with the grandstand platform to form a generous outdoor room - a central piazza, BBQ, carnival marketplace, pre-training ‘pep talk’ zone or simply a great spot to watch either pitch. Photography: Andrew Watson