New design for Gabba and adjacent Brisbane Arena presented to 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure and planning review

The redevelopment of the Gabba into a 55,000 seat stadium and the colocation of the Brisbane Arena as the main venues for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics has been proposed by HAL Architects.

In a submission to the Brisbane Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and its current Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure and planning review, Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects have revived the previously shelved redevelopment of the Gabba.

The Brisbane-based practice have suggested the creation of an Olympic Park precinct with a rebuilt Gabba alongside Brisbane Arena as the most “logical” and cheapest option.

Amid increasing calls from stakeholders and major sporting codes for the Queensland Government to build a new stadium at Victoria Park, Brisbane's The Courier-Mail today revealed this latest proposal to overhaul the ageing Gabba and adjacent precinct.

The design, set to go before the seven-member 100-day review panel this week, proposes a return to the plan Brisbane had when it won the Games in 2021 with the addition of the Brisbane Arena which will be connected to the Gabba.

The plan also suggests a concourse linking with the Cross River Rail station while a pedestrian spine would snake alongside the Riverside Expressway and deviate left to link with the Goodwill Bridge.

HAL Architects director Elizabeth Anderson argued the Gabba was the “only globally recognised Brisbane landmark” that made sense, noting “Annastacia (Palaszczuk, former Queensland Premier).

“We’re trying to use as much of the existing infrastructure to reduce costs where possible.”

The proposal also revives the plan for the nearby Raymond Park to be used as a warm-up track while East Brisbane State School would be relocated, although the buildings would remain.

Anderson advised that the proposal “(is) a much more efficient use of the space.”

Referencing plans for a new stadium in Victoria Park, she noted “we’re not taking over a park that’s so incredible and pristine.”

Anderson said the existing space and public transport connections made the Gabba the “logical thing to do”.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority is conducting the 100 Day Review of Games infrastructure and planning in line with terms of reference set out by the new Queensland Government.

The review is look at the proposed and existing venues and villages and their feasibility alongside Games use, long term use, transport connectivity and systems. The review is also considering the critical transport projects to be constructed prior to the Games, ensuring alignment with long-term mobility and transport strategies along with the Games entities’ roles and responsibilities to deliver the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For thoughts to be considered as part of the 100 Day Review, they must submit your input via the Submissions Portal at www.gamesreview.com.au/landing/3221207e-c48e-4330-afdb-91e07e484924/

Submissions close at 11.59pm AEST on Friday 10 January 2025

Images: HAL Architects' renders for the Gabba Olympic precinct stadium. Credit: HAL Architects.