Bundha Sports Centre

Bundha Sports Centre

Bundha Sports Centre

Client

Sport and Recreation Victoria

Project Capital Cost

$54.5 million

Project Purpose

Bundha Sports Centre, constructed on the Fitzroy Gasworks site, is Australia’s first multi-level community indoor court facility. The centre comprises four courts for competition-level basketball, netball, and volleyball; a multi-purpose court for futsal; a gymnasium; a program/meeting room; a café and lounge area; community facilities; all gender change rooms; a foyer and reception area.

Otium was appointed by Sport and Recreation Victoria to undertake numerous stages of the project.

Otium’s Role

  • Preparation of the Feasibility Study.
  • Preparation of the Business Case.
  • Preparation of the Facility Operating Model including detailed financial modelling.
  • Review of the Management options.
  • Completed market sounding with external management companies.
  • Development of the operating agreement and tender documentation for the external lease arrangement.
  • Coordination of the development of a 20-year Capital Replacement and Maintenance Plan.
  • Assistance with the Tender Evaluation Process.

 

Project Outcomes

Successful appointment of a long-term venue manager, Clublinks.

Project Challenges/Key Learnings

  • Funded via Development Victoria, but local authority declined the option to manage the facility.
  • First sport facility contract arrangement for Victorian State Government. Other state facilities managed under State Sports Trust (separate statutory body).
  • Development of an integrated school (Education Department) and community sports facility (Sport and Recreation Victoria).
  • Development of a multi-use facility on small footprint.

Community Benefits

  • The first publicly accessible vertical sports centre in Australia.
  • The venue will support local sports clubs and encourage more of the community to get active.
University of Canterbury Recreation Centre Operational and Management Review

University of Canterbury Recreation Centre Operational and Management Review

University of Canterbury Recreation Centre Operational and Management Review

Client

University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand

Project Purpose

To position the UC Rec Centre as a leader in inclusive, student-focused recreation and wellbeing. This review sought actionable insights and recommendations to optimise current operations and ensure the Rec Centre is future-ready, particularly in the context of UC’s new sport and recreation facility (Takurua) due to open in 2027. The review covered governance, strategic alignment, operational efficiency and service delivery quality, with a strong focus on culturally responsive and accessible services.

Otium’s Role

Conduct a thorough operational and management review of the UC Rec Centre, including:

  • Operational review including financials, fees and charges, programming, marketing, customer services, systems, risk and compliance and asset maintenance.
  • Benchmarking against comparable facilities.
  • Analysing governance and management structures.
  • Stakeholder engagement.

 

Project Outcomes

A concise, evidence-based report that enabled informed and strategic decisions to be made. Outcomes included:

  • Improved programme and service delivery recommendations.
  • Recommendations for an improved governance and management model.
  • A future‑ready service and operational model for Takurua.
  • A strengthened risk, compliance and safety framework.

The findings will ensure the Rec Centre is inclusive, effective and prepared to meet the evolving needs of its community, supporting a smooth transition to the Takurua facility.

Project Challenges/Key Learnings

  • Balancing current operational realities with future‑ready expectations.
  • A future‑focused Rec Centre must integrate people, systems and spaces.
  • Cultural responsiveness must be embedded in all aspects.

Community Benefits

  • The Rec Centre will deliver inclusive, accessible and culturally responsive recreation and wellbeing services that directly support student health, engagement and success.
  • The Rec Centre will be an active connector on campus and within the broader community.
2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – Project Validation Reports

2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – Project Validation Reports

2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – Project Validation Reports

Client

Department of State Development, Queensland

Project Purpose

The Project Validation Reports (PVR) explored whether a venue is fit-for-purpose, and incorporates best practice design, environmental sustainability standards and commitments under the Olympic and Paralympic Host Contract. The PVRs also consider the operating costs, operating model, employment benefits and social impacts.

Otium’s Role

To conduct Demand Assessment and Financial Operating Assessment for the following Games venues:

  • Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre
  • Sunshine Coast Stadium
  • Chandler Indoor Sports, Gymnastics & Aquatic
  • Barlow Park
  • Toowoomba Sportsground
  • Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre
  • Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Facility.

Project Outcomes

Having secured funding, multiple venues are progressing to the detailed design, construction and delivery phases.

Project Challenges/Key Learnings

  • Alignment of the PVR with the reference design and costing tasks impacted on the project program.
  • As a large, specialised consultancy, Otium’s ability to be flexible and shift resources to meet tight timeframes was imperative to the success of the project.

Community Benefits

The Games venues will provide a lasting legacy to their communities by providing new opportunities for people to participate in sport and be physically healthy and active.