Successful Brisbane 2032 Olympics bid would prompt Gabba redevelopment as main Games venue

The Queensland Government has announced that the Gabba would be redeveloped as the centrepiece of the 2032 Olympics, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics, if Brisbane's bid to be the Games host city is successful.

With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) naming Brisbane its preferred bid city for the 2032 Games in February, South-east Queensland is seemingly on track to host Australia’s third Olympics.

With a bid based largely on using pre-existing venues, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today announced that Brisbane’s historic Gabba venue and surrounding precinct would undergo a $1 billion redevelopment that would the stadium’s capacity from 42,000 to 50,000 spectators.

Speaking this morning, Premier Palaszczuk advised “the Gabba has been home to our sport since 1895 (and becoming) home for the 2032 Olympic Games could be its crowning glory."

The planned upgrade to the Gabba precinct would not only include the capacity increase but would also include a new pedestrian plaza linking the venue to Woolloongabba's new Cross River Rail station, which is currently under construction.

Suggesting that the plaza could transform the area into a games hub and could be used to host concerts and medal presentations, Premier Palaszczuk added "I can see the river lined with people watching big screens, all taking part in the fun and excitement of the Games.

"There's South Bank leading to West End, which is connected to Roma Street via the Kurilpa Bridge, with a new bridge under construction for the new Queen's Wharf development.”

Queensland Minister for Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Olympics Stirling Hinchliffe advised that the redevelopment would maintain the Gabba’s event schedule, adding “it’s used on average for 40 weeks of the year with major sports played in summer and winter including international sport.”

Global venue architects Populous, who recently opened a new Brisbane office, has provided concept designs for a possible Gabba upgrade.

Populous Director Chris Paterson commented “Brisbane already boasts the world’s best rectangular stadium in Suncorp Stadium (so) this is an opportunity to compliment it with the best round field stadium right in the centre of the city.”

However, Premier Palaszczuk stressed that the development will need ongoing support of all levels of government.

With more information expected to be released on planned Games venues, the Gabba redevelopment would join 19 existing earmarked venues for the Games include sites in Cairns, Townsville, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

Images: Architect’s concepts for the proposed Gabba redevelopment, including subsequent use for AFL and cricket.