Revitalising RMS Oval

A Future for AFL in Townsville

The RMS Oval project


Urbankind were proud to partner with AFL Queensland to develop a strategic vision for the renewal of RMS Oval in Townsville

This project is set to transform a currently unused playing field into a thriving hub for umpire training, junior development, and community AFL participation.

Project Scope & Objections

RMS Oval has been out of use since 2022. Urbankind was engaged to deliver:
High-level concept design & site planning
Costing analysis & financial sustainability modelling
Stakeholder engagement with Townsville Umpires Association (TUA), local AFL clubs, and the broader AFLQ community
MOU framework to establish a long-term governance and operational model

Delivering a Sustainable Future for AFL

Through a Human-Centred Design (HCD) approach, this project places the growth of AFL at the forefront, ensuring that RMS Oval is restored as a key training and competition venue.

Our recommendations include:
🏟 Tenure Agreement: Townsville Umpires Association as the primary tenure holder, with shared access for Hermit Park AFC, Curra Swans AFC, and AFLQ programs
💡 Facility Upgrades: New clubhouse, multi-gender changerooms, improved lighting, and high-quality playing surfaces
📈 Sustainability Planning: Advocacy for funding, partnerships, and community-driven maintenance strategies

Impact and Future Opportunities

By reactivating RMS Oval, we are:
🔹 Providing a dedicated home for umpire training and supporting the expansion of junior AFL programs
🔹 Creating a high-quality, multi-use venue for local AFL clubs and school programs
🔹 Ensuring long-term financial and operational sustainability through strategic planning and partnerships

Partner With Us

The RMS Oval project is a testament to collaborative planning, innovative design, and community-driven outcomes. If your local government or sporting organisation is looking to revitalise community sports infrastructure, let’s connect.

📩 Contact us at hello@urbankind.studio to explore how we can help you deliver impactful projects for the future of sport.