A shortage of indoor courts across Logan has forced some sporting organisations to turn players away, a problem local clubs say could ease with the construction of the Logan Indoor Sports Centre.
Site clearing has begun at the former PCYC grounds, on Democracy Way in Logan Central, to make way for the nine-court facility, which is expected to seat up to 7,000 spectators and operate as a venue during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For Logan’s growing sporting community, the development could help address long-standing pressure on indoor facilities.
Logan Thunder basketball’s general manager, Mitchell Young, said the organisation currently hires courts across the city just to run its competitions and training.
“We hire basically all of the indoor venues in Logan, including schools, just to be able to facilitate our programs,” Mr Young said.
“Our teams and clubs are spread out across the city, training at different venues.
“Most of our teams train at the Community Park Sports Centre at the moment, but we also hire Mount Park Sports Centre, Logan Metro Sports Centre, Marsden State High and John Paul College.”
Participation in the sport has surged locally.
Mr Young said Logan Thunder has experienced a 45% increase in membership and now has more than 2800 registered players.
“With the growth and participation, we’re essentially capped for how many games we can deliver due to the lack of courts,” Mr Young said.
He said the shortage has already forced the organisation to adjust programs and turn some players away.
“We’re at the point of turning people away and having to make changes to our programs just to be able to accommodate the number of people that are playing,” Mr Young said.
During the Games, the Logan Indoor Sports Centre is expected to host indoor sports including ball sports, boxing, martial arts and Para sports.
After the Games, the facility will be available for community use by schools, clubs and local sporting groups.
Mr Young said the location and scale of the centre could help increase participation across Logan.
“When you build a venue like this, it will only lead to more participation and more growth,” Mr Young said.
“A great venue in the heart of Logan right near a train station should lead to a further spike in participation for basketball, but also other sports in our community getting active and healthy.
“It’s really exciting, and it’s very needed at the moment.”
Federal Treasurer and Rankin MP Jim Chalmers said the venue would help meet growing demand for indoor sporting facilities in the region.
City of Logan Mayor Jon Raven said it marked “the start of a new era for the site” and said the venue would be well used by the city’s fast-growing community.
Planning approvals for the project are continuing, with a principal design contractor yet to be announced.
This is fantastic news for the Logan community! As an Australian-operated business, we’ve seen first-hand the massive surge in interest for youth sports and fitness over the last couple of years. It’s heartbreaking to hear that clubs like Logan Thunder have to turn kids away due to court shortages.
Having a 9-court facility right near the train station is a game-changer for accessibility. We’re big believers in keeping the community active, and we can’t wait to see the local talent this centre will nurture leading up to 2032. Looking forward to seeing those site clearing works progress on Democracy Way!