Global design firm Arup has been appointed by the Queensland government to lead the masterplanning of the Victoria Park precinct in Brisbane’s north, which is set to be the heart of the city’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
According to a media release from the government, “Arup … brings a wealth of experience in developing complex masterplans on major projects,” which will “kickstart the integrated masterplan for the Victoria Park precinct.”
The precinct is set to host the new Brisbane Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre, and encompasses the proposed Brisbane Athletes Village at the Brisbane Showgrounds nearby. Altogether, the precinct will host more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the Olympics and over 5,000 during the Paralympic Games.
Just last week, the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) launched an expression of interest (EOI) for principal architects for the Brisbane Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre.
The appointment of a principal consultant to lead the integrated masterplan of the Victoria Park precinct attracted 20 expressions of interest, which the state government attributes to “enthusiasm in the market to build generational infrastructure.”
Arup project director Penny Hall said, “The opportunity to reimagine the inner Brisbane precinct as a world-class hub for recreation, events, entertainment, and lifestyle as a lasting legacy for Queenslanders well beyond the games is both familiar and tremendously exciting for our team to be a part of.”
Hall commented that Arup’s portfolio includes the Sydney 2000 Olympics, through to London 2012 and, more recently, Paris 2024, as well as global events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“Our approach to masterplanning is grounded in a once-in-a-generation lens – one that aligns with the Queensland Government’s bold vision for the Victoria Park precinct,” Hall added.
According to the government, “The first phase of the detailed masterplanning process … will include technical site investigations, planning and design [of] the major pieces of connectivity and public realm infrastructure to support infrastructure delivery and ensure visitors can move seamlessly around the precinct.
“The masterplan will also focus on … public and green spaces, improving connectivity, and creating seamless experiences for the thousands expected to enjoy the precinct during and long after the games.”
According to Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie, the contract is the first to be awarded for stadium delivery and “will ensure key venues, including Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre, are designed on time and with a clear vision to benefit Queenslanders for decades to come.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner added that, once realised, the “precinct will be the beating heart of Brisbane, where green turns to gold during the games and Queenslanders unite to celebrate sport, culture and lifestyle long after.”
The government notes that they are working closely with Brisbane City Council, the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), and other key stakeholders to ensure integrated design outcomes across the precinct.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
