Help steer the future of Mercury Baypark Stadium

This option would allow Speedway to continue operating at Baypark beyond the current agreements to 2029 for use of the stadium to 2039. Under this scenario, Council would sell the North Stand to SRL for $1 including leasing the land under the stadium. In return, SRL would take on full responsibility for the structure and invest in improvements to the stadium. Council would retain ownership of the land.

What this means

• Speedway Racing would purchase the North Stand for $1 and assume full risk, liability, and financial responsibility for its maintenance until 2039. They would also lease the land used for speedway operations, with the intention of selling the stand back to Council for $1 in 2039.
• Speedway Racing will invest in improvements at the stadium, including  new pits services, new chutes, workshop area, and large screen. The new arrangement will relocate Speedway to its own dedicated corner of the Baypark site. This change will allow Speedway to operate independently, with their own management and reduced overhead costs for Bay Venues Ltd (BVL). 
• The move can free up the main Baypark area for other uses when there is a speedway event. 
• Council will invest in a new carpark area at a cost of approx. $6m near the current main entrance to serve the Baypark site as a whole, as new court-sport facilities are planned to be built over the next few years. That carpark would also be the pit area for Speedway on race days. Speedway would invest additional funds to provide services to the pit area. Speedway would continue its regular events (up to 12 speedway events per year) and additional motorsport events (up to 4 per year) up until 2039.  
• There would be some residual cost to Council for continued operations of speedway, with those costs anticipated to be covered by revenue from the leases to Speedway Racing Ltd. Any current Speedway agreements and licenses would be replaced by this proposal and would see Speedway events continue to 2039.
• The site’s capacity for large concerts or other community events on the grass space would be reduced compared to past years due to the proposed new carpark.  

This would see the current agreements run their course, with Speedway continuing until  2029. After that, the site would potentially be available for other uses. However, there is no immediate funding or plan for redevelopment, and future uses would require new planning and investment. 

What this means: 

• Speedway would likely continue at Baypark only until the current agreement ends in 2029. 
• Alternative uses of the stadium area would be considered, accounting for any proposals coming from this community consultation. 
• There is no funding currently allocated for redevelopment or repurposing of the north stand or the stadium land area. Alternative uses would need to be considered on their costs and community benefits. Building on the existing Baypark master plan, Council alongside Bay Venues would undertake a period of planning to determine alternative uses - which could also include additional community engagement opportunities during the 2027 Long Term Planning process.  
• Future possibilities for the site would depend on new planning, consultation, and securing investment. Ideas for potential uses could include: 
  • Repurposing the site for community, sports or recreational uses. 
  • Exploring Commercial uses that would add recreational amenity to the City. 
     

The North Stand requires significant investment for renewals works to keep the facility operating (estimated at $2.1m). Reducing spectator numbers and limited events annually, coupled with the poor state of repair of the North Stand, means that it has limited financial value.  

If the North Stand remains in Council ownership, Speedway will still operate until 2029 under the existing agreements. However, without a long-term commitment, Speedway Racing Ltd has advised it won’t invest in upgrades, meaning the stadium could fall short of meeting community expectations for future use. 

Yes, although speedway would remain the primary use, there is potential to accommodate additional motorsport events and limited non-speedway activities. Any wider redevelopment for high-participation sport is being delivered as part of the longer-term Baypark masterplan. 

The lease through Bay Venues is expected to be a circa 7% of gross speedway revenue. Speedway would also invest in upgrades such as new pit services, a workshop, and chutes. 

That depends on what the community tells us through this consultation and the 2027 Long-term Plan process. Ideas could include sporting facilities, commercial development, event space, or other recreational uses — but any redevelopment would require funding, further planning, and community support. 

All feedback will be carefully considered to help us make the best decision for the future. We’ll use the insights gathered from the consultation to evaluate the options and consider potential impacts, ensuring that decisions align with community needs, available funding, and long-term sustainability. Feedback will be provided to the council for consideration and submitters will have the opportunity to present to Council.