The Queensland state government has released a draft plan of their long-term vision for the Victoria Park precinct, following its role as the main hub of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Victoria Park Precinct Draft Legacy Plan, which was prepared by planning firm Arup, sets out a vision for a “world-class precinct that will bring together Victoria Park, the new Brisbane Stadium, the National Aquatic Centre and the Brisbane Showgrounds [athletes village] into one connected destination for sport, recreation, events and entertainment,” the government has said.
Premier David Crisafulli commented, “Just as South Bank defined a city as the gift for Expo 88, Victoria Park will be the legacy of 2032 – a place that belongs to Queenslanders once the Games have gone.”
According to the government, the draft plan builds upon Brisbane City Council’s Victoria Park / Barrambin Master Plan and the RNA’s Brisbane Showgrounds 2011 Master Plan.
Four key principles have defined the layout of the precinct vision. These include creating a green and active corridor along the site’s valley by restoring the historic waterway and expanding the surrounding York’s Hollow wetland ecology; creating recreational places at the site’s elevated points and ridgelines with potential links across the Inner City Bypass roadway; utilising hillsides for cultural and sporting events and festivals; and improving links with adjacent CBD and Fortitude Valley precincts.
Around two-thirds of Victoria Park will remain as publicly accessible green space, featuring parklands, wetlands and urban forests. New infrastructure proposed within the vision includes a public amphitheatre, two potential footbridges and a community sports hub with an athletics track.
A media release from the government notes, “Victoria Park will remain a free public space, open to locals and visitors year-round.”
According to the plan’s timeline, the precinct’s Olympic sports venues and supporting infrastructure is set to converted from late 2032, with the full legacy vision delivered from 2042 and beyond.
Arup project director Penny Hall said, “We look forward to working with the community to shape a masterplan that will benefit generations to come.”
“High-quality open space plays a vital role in creating healthy, inclusive and vibrant cities. This is a once in a generation opportunity to define what Brisbane’s future looks like and create a legacy that extends well beyond 2032, enhancing connectivity, celebrating open space, and delivering enduring value for all Queenslanders.”
Public consultation on the plan can be accessed on the Queensland government’s website and closes 27 September.
The final legacy plan is set to be released in 2027.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
