Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Victoria Park Stadium and Woolloongabba Arena Plans Advance
Preparatory construction for Brisbane's main 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games stadium at Victoria Park is scheduled to begin on June 1, according to government announcements. Simultaneously, plans are advancing for a new 17,000-seat indoor arena in Woolloongabba, with geotechnical drilling underway and shortlisted consortiums preparing detailed design proposals. These developments are part of Queensland's broader $7.1 billion infrastructure plan for the Games, which also includes the demolition of the existing Gabba stadium post-2032.
Preparatory construction for Brisbane's main 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games stadium is set to commence on June 1, alongside advancing plans for a new 17,000-seat indoor arena in Woolloongabba, as part of Queensland's $7.1 billion infrastructure strategy.
Victoria Park Olympic Stadium
Location and Schedule
The new 63,000-seat main stadium, designated for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will be located in Victoria Park. The specific site identified is a valley situated between Gilchrist Avenue and QUT's Kelvin Grove campus. Preparatory construction for the stadium is scheduled to commence on June 1, coinciding with the transfer of land to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA). Earthworks are projected to begin by mid-2024.
Design and Features
A consortium comprising Australian firms Cox Architecture and Hassell, in collaboration with Japan’s Azusa Sekkei, was selected to design the stadium. The design incorporates three primary tiers of seating with additional corporate areas and a halo-style video board spanning the circumference of the roof. Early concepts include shaded seating, large digital screens, and a cantilevered roof.
The field of play will match the size and shape of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with an east-west configuration chosen after consultations with AFL and cricket organizations. Designers have emphasized an open, permeable design to reflect Queensland's climate and culture, aiming to minimize earthworks and preserve parkland.
Cost and Purpose
The stadium project is estimated to cost approximately $3.6 billion and forms a component of the broader $7.1 billion infrastructure plan for the 2032 Games. The Commonwealth government has agreed to contribute just under half of the total cost for the 2032 Olympic Games venues. The stadium is designated to host the athletics events, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. Following the Games, it is planned to host Brisbane Lions Australian Rules Football matches, cricket, and various entertainment events.
Context and Opposition
The recommendation for the Victoria Park site originated from GIICA's 100-day review of Games infrastructure. Premier David Crisafulli had previously identified Victoria Park as a clear choice in March, following an apology for retracting a pledge made during the 2024 state election campaign not to construct a new stadium.
The project has faced opposition from a local group, "Save Victoria Park," which advocates for the preservation of the green space. The group has criticized the visual representations as "greenwashed computer imagery" and expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on "ancient trees, rolling hills, and native wildlife." They have projected the project's cost could escalate from $3.6 billion to $4.4 billion. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie characterized the group as "NIMBYs," stating the park's history included serving as a golf course and a dump site.
The project has faced opposition from "Save Victoria Park," which advocates for the preservation of the green space, criticizing visual representations as "greenwashed computer imagery" and raising concerns about impact on "ancient trees, rolling hills, and native wildlife."
An expanded heritage listing at the proposed stadium site will not supersede state government legislation that permits bypassing planning laws for Olympic venues. Transport planning for the Victoria Park-RNA precinct, currently being developed by Arup, does not anticipate a new train station for the stadium, relying instead on existing transport connectivity.
Woolloongabba Indoor Arena
Development and Timeline
A separate project involves the development of a new 17,000-seat indoor arena in Woolloongabba, intended to replace the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Geotechnical drilling commenced in mid-May to assess ground conditions and inform foundation designs.
Two consortiums have been shortlisted from eight contenders to deliver the Gabba Arena, located adjacent to the unopened Woolloongabba Cross River Rail station:
- Brisbane Entertainment Alliance: Comprising Capella Capital, Lendlease, AEG, and Legends Global.
- Gather Brisbane: Including Plenary Group, Live Nation, and OVG.
These consortiums are required to submit detailed design proposals, with the successful proponent expected to be announced this year. Major construction for the arena is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027, with a target completion before the 2032 Games. The arena was considered a "nice-to-have" option rather than a necessity within the initial Games delivery plan.
Funding and Transport
The Queensland government is seeking private sector delivery for the arena, which was not included in the initial $7.1 billion state-Commonwealth funding allocation for the Games. Commercial negotiations are ongoing with the shortlisted consortia, with the private sector expected to build, construct, and finance the arena. The arena's proximity to the Cross River Rail station is expected to offer significant transport advantages, with the system capable of handling approximately 42,000 people per hour. Plans also include developing an entertainment precinct around the venue for crowd dispersal.
Broader Games Infrastructure and Planning
The existing Gabba stadium is slated for demolition after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to facilitate urban renewal. The winning consortium for the new Woolloongabba Arena will also be responsible for developing housing at the site of the current Gabba stadium.
The existing Gabba stadium is slated for demolition post-2032 to facilitate urban renewal, with the new Woolloongabba Arena's winning consortium also responsible for developing housing at the site.
The overall Games rollout is reportedly proceeding as planned, aligning with the 2032 delivery schedule established after a 100-day review. Other key infrastructure components include the National Aquatic Centre, for which architects are expected to be chosen shortly, and the 20,000-seat RNA Showgrounds arena, which is unlikely to serve as a competition venue in 2032. During the Games, the entire RNA precinct, including Exhibition station, will operate under a comprehensive security protocol as required by the International Olympic Committee.