The transformation of Brisbane’s Victoria Park into the centrepiece for the 2032 Games has begun, with preparatory earthworks underway following the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GICA) officially taking possession of the site.
The new 63,000 seat Brisbane Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics at the 2032 Games before becoming the city’s main oval stadium and home ground for current AFL Premiers the Brisbane Lions, and cricket’s Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash, Queensland Bulls at interstate level, as well as an outstanding international cricket venue for Test, One Day and T20 matches.
The Premier and Deputy Premier joined Olympians and Paralympians, AFL and cricket champions and the next generation of Queensland’s sports stars and super fans to mark the major milestone.
“It’s game on – we have a plan to deliver for the 2032 Games and beyond, and today, we get cracking on delivering it,” Premier David Crisafulli said.
“The eyes of the world will be on us in 2032, but this is about delivering legacy benefits for all of Queensland well beyond that.
“Victoria Park will be the beating sport, cultural and green heart of Brisbane, and a place all Queenslanders can be proud of.”
While the North Brisbane Bikeway, York’s Hollow, Pump Track and some greenspace will remain open to the public, key changes for residents include the closure of Gilchrist Avenue for traffic and parking, and closure of access to the park from both the QUT and Herston bus stations.
On site traffic management and signage is in place to assist the transition, and additional closures of parts of the park will be required as construction progresses.
The new Brisbane Stadium is part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government.
The Government says the stadium’s main construction partners will be appointed within months, and the entire precinct’s draft masterplan will also be released soon.
The masterplan, being developed by firm, Arup, will shape a world-class recreation and lifestyle hub, connecting Brisbane Stadium, the National Aquatic Centre and Brisbane Athletes Village during the Games, and generational infrastructure for beyond 2032.
More than two thirds of Victoria Park will remain free green public space once works are complete, including York’s Hollow Pond, with work to date focusing on ensuring Victoria Park is accessible and functional for all users.
GIICA Chairman, Stephen Conry AM said the team at the Games Infrastructure Authority couldn’t wait to get started on the build for the new Brisbane Stadium.
“This is an exciting day for GIICA and for all of Queensland as we get on site and begin our work at Victoria Park,” Mr Conry said.
“Queenslanders can be confident that GIICA will care for the park through the construction period, returning it to the people of Queensland in 2032 with an amazing new Stadium and National Aquatic Centre, alongside improved and more usable green space for many more people to enjoy rather than just the few, with improved accessibility and activations.”
Brisbane Lions Chief Executive Officer, Sam Graham said the team was working closely with GIICA and other stakeholders to create a venue that all Queenslanders will be proud of.
“We’re really pleased with the progress being made to date. As we have seen in other cities across the county, new stadiums are generational assets, they shape cities, economies and communities and this will be a venue that is welcoming and accessible to everyone, for decades to come,” Mr Graham said.
“From a Lions point of view, there’s more kids kicking a Sherrin around Queensland than ever before, we’re about to set a new club membership record and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new generation of sports fans to Victoria Park when we call it home from 2033.”
Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Terry Svenson said Brisbane Stadium will be a gamechanger for sport in Queensland.
“The anticipation of hosting major cricket events at the Stadium in the wake of a successful 2032 Games is captivating,” Mr Svenson said.
“We look forward to working with the Government, the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and the Stadium designers for what lies ahead as the Victoria Park precinct plans continue to come to life.”
Further details about Brisbane Stadium and Victoria Park, including access maps, can be found here: GIICA – Brisbane Stadium.
