Queensland Government's Brisbane Olympics venues review recommends scrapping of Gabba rebuild

The review of venues infrastructure for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics being conducted by former Lord Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk has recommended that the plans to rebuild the Gabba should be abandoned in favour of a new, "marginally more expensive", stadium on the site of the former golf course at Victoria Park.

Quirk's 60-day review of Games infrastructure, conducted on behalf of the Queensland Government, has backed a 'greenfield' stadium at Victoria Park - with up to 55,000 seats - along with a new aquatic centre as providing "an opportunity to deliver the best outcome".

However, the anticipated cost of the new venues is expected to cost up to $3.4 billion - a sum greater than the $2.7 budget for the Gabba rebuild.

The recalibration of Games venue plans also advocates for the development of the new Brisbane Live indoor arena costing $2.5 billion at Roma Street Parkland.

The review, conducted over a 60-day period, was initiated by Queensland Premier Steven Miles in response to public dissatisfaction surrounding the Gabba project championed by former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

It considered over 900 public submissions, assessed 28 potential venue sites, and engaged with 130 stakeholders.

Its assessment concluded that a 55,000-seat oval stadium at Victoria Park would offer the optimal solution for both the Olympic Games and the city at large.

Additionally, the review rejects the proposal to host athletics events at the existing Queensland Sport and Athletics Stadium in Nathan, citing concerns over cost-effectiveness, poor mass transit access and legacy.

Brisbane Live/Brisbane Arena
The review recommends the establishment of an entertainment arena in the inner city to replace the aging Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall.

While the preferred site for this arena was initially proposed to be over the new Cross River Rail station at Roma Street, perceived logistical complexities involving rail line disruption and financial constraints of an estimated $4 billion led to an alternative recommendation.

Instead, it recommends building Brisbane Live at the non-parkland northern corner of the Roma Street precinct which currently houses a carpark and workshop depot.

Games Legacy
In light of the impending international attention that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring, the review underscores the importance of delivering legacy sporting venues efficiently.

It acknowledges the intense community interest surrounding these developments and highlights the potential of the Games as a catalyst for social and economic growth.

Call for Action
Quirk’s review emphasises the necessity of swift action in clarifying and confirming funding arrangements with the Australian Government to ensure the realisation of the revised Olympic venue works.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said on Sunday that there would be no more reviews following this 60-day review and promised that an independent Olympic organising authority would take over all planning decisions going forward immediately.

In light of the impending international attention that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring, the review underscores the importance of delivering legacy sporting venues efficiently.

It acknowledges the intense community interest surrounding these developments and highlights the potential of the Games as a catalyst for social and economic growth.

While the review primarily focuses on sports venues, it does not encompass assessments of athlete villages or other infrastructure projects outside the scope of the sports venues program.

Future of the Gabba
The review does not consider the future of the Gabba stadium which is understood to be facing operational and maintainance costs of  around $500 million over the next decade. Ideas for the site have included creating new parkland and affordable housing to other public infrastructure.

Quirk's 60-day review noted "the Gabba rebuild, costed on a comparable basis, is likely to now cost around $3 billion (plus $185-$360 million in displacement costs for AFL and cricket).

"The cost of a stadium in Victoria Park ($3-$3.4 billion) is likely to be marginally more expensive than the full Gabba rebuild (more than $3 billion) with better operational efficiencies and outcomes that would deliver a true international standard venue, enabling Brisbane to compete with other top stadiums in Australia and generate [an] additional premium seating revenue.

"The construction of a stadium on an inner-city greenfield site allows a smooth transition with no displacement for cricket and AFL while a new stadium is constructed."

"A $1 billion spend at the Gabba does not increase capacity or improve functionality for spectators, players, staff and hirers."

The review has recommended the Gabba be maintained to a minimum standard until a new stadium is constructed at a different location, "allowing the current stadium to be demolished and the site repurposed."

Images: Concepts for the Victoria Park Olympic Stadium (top and middle, credit: Archipelago) and the concept for the recommended new Brisbane Live location (credit: Brisbane Development).

Originally published as 'Brisbane Olympic review expected to say 'no' to Gabba rebuild'.