A consortium of Australian and Japanese firms has been appointed for the design and construction of the 63,000-seat Victoria Park stadium, a central venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The project is estimated to cost $3.6 billion and is part of a larger $7.1 billion infrastructure plan for the Games. Initial designs have been released, with earthworks scheduled to commence in mid-2024. The project faces opposition from a local group raising environmental and cost concerns.
Victoria Park Stadium Project Advances
The Queensland government has announced the selection of a consortium to undertake the design and construction of the 63,000-seat stadium proposed for Victoria Park. This venue is designated as a key site for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The appointed consortium comprises Australian firms Cox and Hassell, in collaboration with the Japanese group Azusa Sekkei. These firms have previous experience with major stadium projects, including Perth's Optus Stadium and redevelopments of Adelaide Oval and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The stadium project is estimated to cost $3.6 billion, forming part of the broader $7.1 billion plan for preparing Queensland's sporting venues for the 2032 Games. The Commonwealth government has committed to contributing just under half of the total cost for the 2032 Olympic Games venues.
Earthworks for the stadium are projected to commence by mid-2024. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated that the planned 63,000-seat capacity could be expanded if it remains within the existing budget, emphasizing that the overall budget would not change.
Site Selection and Design Principles
Concept renders published by the Queensland government show the venue proposed at the core of the 64-hectare Victoria Park. Simon Crooks, chief executive of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, noted that most shortlisted architectural teams converged on the same general area within Victoria Park. Initial estimates for earthworks were reduced from 200,000 cubic meters to 60,000 cubic meters.
Richard Coulson, chairman at COX Architecture, identified a valley between Gilchrist Avenue and QUT's Kelvin Grove campus as a suitable location, aiming to minimize cut and fill despite the hilly terrain and preserve parkland. The stadium is envisioned as an integral component of the park, facilitating game-day activities and other events independent of the venue.
Lucy O’Driscoll, Hassall managing principal, indicated that the final stadium design is not expected to significantly deviate from the presented vision. Design concepts include open edges and elements that reflect Queensland's climate and culture, with the core concept of an open, permeable stadium intended to be maintained. Specific details such as the roof, materiality, and lift core placements may evolve.
The Victoria Park Golf Club is scheduled to close prior to the commencement of construction. A government agreement between state and federal entities includes a stipulation for developing a plan to enhance access to green space within Victoria Park. An expanded heritage listing at the proposed stadium site will not supersede state government legislation that permits bypassing planning laws for Olympic venues. The new stadium's design incorporates multi-level access, intended to aid in traffic dissipation.
Broader Olympic Infrastructure Updates
Beyond the Victoria Park stadium, other infrastructure developments for the 2032 Games are underway:
- Gabba Arena: Expressions of interest for a proposed 17,000-seat indoor arena in Woolloongabba, intended to replace the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, were scheduled to close recently. The Queensland government is seeking private sector delivery for this facility, which was not included in the initial $7.1 billion state-Commonwealth funding. Demolition of the existing Gabba stadium is planned to facilitate land development for this project, with construction projected to begin before the end of the year, aiming for completion by the 2032 Games. The Gabba was previously considered a potential Olympic stadium site itself.
- National Aquatic Centre: Architects for this facility are expected to be chosen shortly.
- RNA Showgrounds: The 20,000-seat RNA Showgrounds arena is unlikely to serve as a competition venue in 2032. However, the RNA precinct, including Exhibition station, will operate under a comprehensive security protocol during the Games as required by the International Olympic Committee.
- Transport Connectivity: Town planning firm Arup is developing the master plan for the Victoria Park-RNA precinct. This plan is not expected to feature a new train station for the Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre. Discussions involving law enforcement, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the Brisbane Organising Committee have concluded with confidence in existing transport connectivity solutions.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated that the Games rollout is proceeding as planned, aligning with the 2032 delivery schedule established after a 100-day review conducted last year.
Public Opposition and Government Response
The Victoria Park stadium project has generated opposition from a local group named "Save Victoria Park." This group conducted a protest outside the QUT building where a media conference was held.
Rosemary O’Hagan, a spokesperson for Save Victoria Park, described the project's visual representations as "greenwashed computer imagery." She expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on "ancient trees, rolling hills, and native wildlife," suggesting the project could lead to an "environmentally disastrous" Olympic Games. The group has also projected that the project's cost could escalate from $3.6 billion to $4.4 billion, citing their own economic modeling.
In response, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie characterized the Save Victoria Park group as "NIMBYs" (Not In My Backyard). He noted the park's history, stating it previously served as a golf course and, prior to that, as a dump site.
Post-Games Legacy
Following the 2032 Games, the Victoria Park stadium is planned to host Brisbane Lions Australian Rules Football matches, cricket, and various entertainment events.
The decision to construct a new stadium resulted from a 100-day independent review focused on venues, infrastructure, and transport. Premier David Crisafulli had previously identified Victoria Park as a choice for the 2032 Games in March, despite prior commitments not to build a new stadium before the 2024 state election.