The Queensland government unveiled plans to demolish and rebuild Brisbane’s Gabba Stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
The $2.7 billion project will be a catalyst for the major revitalisation of the precinct, which will social and affordable housing, connections to Cross river Rail, and Brisbane Metro, and walkable connections to South Bank and Brisbane CBD via green bridges across the river.
The Gabba grounds first established in 1895 and was last redeveloped in 2005. Its current capacity is 42,000 seats.
The Queensland government says the current stadium is nearing the end of its life and redevelopment would support long-term professional sport, community and entertainment needs.
The government investigate four options for redevelopment, including the retention and refurbishment of the existing stadium but concluded that demolishing and rebuilding the stadium was the cheapest and best value for money.
Brisbane’s Gabba stadium will be demolished and replaced with a new stadium. A competitive tender process is due to take place in the second half of 2023.
Image:
Queensland government
“Tt’s no secret that Queensland is losing out on major sporting events already – and the tourism, jobs and investment that come with them because The Gabba is not up to scratch,” said Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“It must be upgraded to maintain our competitiveness for international sport and events.”
The new stadium will have a capacity of 50,000 seats, with better spectator viewing, better accessibility, improved digital connectivity, sport and spectator facilities for all genres, purpose-designed access to transport, and more roof coverage. The project will target a 6-star Green Star rating.
“The current Gabba is an international icon, but a tired one. In some circumstances people in wheelchairs can only access their allocated seats using the goods lift,” said deputy premier Steven Miles.
“There are no women’s change rooms. Elite women athletes have less space to prepare for games and are stuck using change rooms that include urinals because they were built only for male athletes.
“It’s unacceptable. Queensland athletes and fans deserve a modern, accessible, safe, fit-for-purpose major stadium that will attract and host world-class national and international sporting and entertainment events.
“The redevelopment will anchor major urban renewal and deliver more affordable housing, dining and retail.”
A competitive tender process for the project take place in second half of 2023 with construction due to start in 2026.
The government will also expand the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area to encompass more of Wooloongabba and the Stanley Street precinct to Southbank.
A neighbouring school, East Brisbane State school will be forced to relocated after 2024 and its heritage buildings will be integrated into the operations of the Gabba Stadium.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
