Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni and UQ pro-vice chancellor Professor Tim Dunne opened the new sport facility ©UQ

The University of Queensland (UQ) have opened a new sporting facility worth AUD$4.2 million (£2.3m/$2.8m/€2.5m), co-funded with the Queensland Government.

Situated on the UQ St Lucia campus, Building 53C will be home to the institution's australian football, football and cricket teams. 

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni and UQ pro-vice chancellor Professor Tim Dunne opened the venue. 

"Building 53C is a first-class multi-use sporting facility which will make a huge difference to hundreds of passionate sportsmen and women every week," de Brenni said.

"We are proud to have supported this project with a AUD$1.2 million (£665,000/$800,000/€700,000) funding commitment through the Queensland Government’s Get Playing Plus programme.

The facility has been opened on the University of Queensland St Lucia campus ©UQ
The facility has been opened on the University of Queensland St Lucia campus ©UQ

"This funding is in addition to more than AUD$70,000 (£39,000/$47,000/€43,000) that has been allocated to 11 UQ sporting clubs since 2015 under our Get Going Clubs initiative, allowing clubs to purchase equipment and deliver education and training programmes."

The facility features 12 changing rooms, 10 storage spaces, and three rooms for physiotherapy and first aid treatment.

It also includes bench seating for spectators and a function space.

"Updating and establishing sporting facilities at UQ is a continual exercise, but also very rewarding for the happiness we witness it bring to the local and student community," Dunne said.

"Building 53C is the latest recreational precinct project to be completed, and follows the extension of our beach volleyball courts, and the installation of new outdoor basketball and netball courts."