In brief:

• Belconnen Basketball Stadium planning and design works has commenced.
• The project has reached a milestone with SQC Group contracted for early planning and design.
• This article includes what is proposed for the expansion.

The Belconnen Basketball Stadium expansion project is moving ahead.

The contract to undertake preliminary planning and design has been awarded to SQC Group.

The Canberra-based architectural firm is expected to complete this work in early 2026.

It is a critical step in laying the foundation for the stadium’s expansion.

How an expanded stadium might look

The proposed expansion will consider adding three new courts.

This includes an 1,800-seat FIBA Level 1 show court and associated amenities.

Its addition would allow the stadium to host national and international competitions.

Increasing demand for court space

Over 15,000 Canberrans are registered basketballers. This makes it one of the city’s most popular sports. And numbers are growing.

The expanded stadium will help address current and future needs for court space.

The ACT Government has committed to meeting increasing demand for indoor sport facilities.

Other projects include new double-court gymnasiums at public:

• high schools
• colleges
• selected primary schools.

Partnering with Basketball ACT

The ACT Government is delivering this project in partnership with Basketball ACT.

This follows the signing of a heads of agreement in December 2024.

“This project represents a vital investment in the future of basketball in the ACT, ensuring the growing needs of our players, officials, and broader sporting community are met with modern, high-quality facilities,” CEO, Basketball ACT Nicole Bowles said.

As a key hub for basketball in Canberra, the expansion for the Belconnen Basketball Stadium will:

• enhance participation opportunities
• improve accessibility
• support the sport’s development at all levels.

Improving facilities across the ACT

The ACT Government is also investing in other sports facilities across the Territory.

These include

• new playing fields and a pavilion in Taylor
• the first stage of the new Stromlo District Playing Fields
• new cricket nets in Bonner and Gowrie.

There will also be a boost to the Sports and Recreation Investment Scheme.

Find more information on the ACT Government Sport and Recreation website.

Read more like this:

• 2025–26 ACT Budget: investing in sport and recreation
• Funding boost for local sporting clubs
• The NBL Blitz will be held in Canberra this year
• New netball courts now open in Jacka

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