No disruption to Ekka by Brisbane showground upgrades ahead of 2032 Games
The Queensland Government has today announced that upgrades to the Brisbane Showgrounds commencing next week will not disrupt the Ekka until 2032.
The works at the showgrounds marks the first time construction on any Olympic infrastructure would begin. The first round of works includes an upgrade to two stands at the venue and will begin next week once this year's Ekka concludes.
The Bowen Hills showgrounds will be the site of the Brisbane Athletes Village, which will be the Games’ largest, accommodating more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the Olympic Games and over 5,000 during the Paralympic Games.
As well as housing the Brisbane Athletes Village, an upgrade to the 20,000 seat Main Arena will facilitate the growth of the precinct’s key entertainment and events capability and give the Brisbane Ekka an even brighter future.
The government is also planning to upgrade two stands at the venue ahead of the Games.
The integrated Master Plan for the Victoria Park precinct, including the Brisbane Showgrounds and surrounds is set to be a world-class hub for recreation, events, entertainment, and lifestyle well beyond the Games.
Premier David Crisafulli noted “Brisbane will be centre stage for the Games, and this investment to rebuild the Main Arena will deliver a new life to the Ekka which will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Construction on Machinery Hill, where the new arena will be built, will begin after the 2026 Ekka.
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the early works are important first steps in the Brisbane Showgrounds’ transformation and added “Following this year’s Ekka, the heritage-listed John MacDonald and Ernest Baynes grandstands will be restored and upgraded to provide much improved accessibility.
“Design works will also begin for the 20,000-seat Main Arena upgrade.
“We’re excited to share artist’s impressions of what that could look like, and the legacy the Games will leave for Queenslanders.”
Image. Main Arena Brisbane 2032 Legacy render. Courtesy QLD Gov
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