Image: Arcadis

Global design and consultancy organization Arcadis has set out its infrastructure vision for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Arcadis Victoria Park Precinct masterplan includes a 60,000 seater stadium, an 18,000 seat National Aquatics Centre, as well as the Brisbane Live/Arena project.

Arcadis released the discussion paper as a second review of infrastructure required for the games is taking place, putting forward a new sports and entertainment precinct for South East Queensland (SEQ) to be developed at Victoria Park.

Focuses for the 100 Day Review include integration across venues, transport systems, athlete villages, and precincts, while evaluating demand, affordability, deliverability, and overall impact to maximise social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

The 2032 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXV Olympiad and also known as Brisbane 2032, is an upcoming international multisport event scheduled to take place from July 23^rd-August 8^th, 2032 with Brisbane, Queensland, Australia as the main Host City.

Arcadis said the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games has been a political football, which has seen three main stadium locations already considered and dismissed.

The consultants said the conversation has primarily focused around a ‘cost’ only equation and not the long term ‘value’ to both the city and state, including the legacy that would endure for many generations to come.

Arcadis argues, “A stadium and/or multiple venues at Victoria Park would be the catalyst that allows Australian Football League, cricket and major international events, including the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to further propel Brisbane onto the global stage, where this rapidly changing city belongs.

“The opportunity to leverage the existing investment in mass transit infrastructure also provides a sustainable base to build upon.”

The proposal is for a new 60,000+ seat oval stadium as the centrepiece of the Brisbane BOLD 2032 concept put forward by the Architectural, Landscape and Urban Design company, Archipelago.

A productive use of sports and recreation zoned land that was formerly Victoria Park Golf Course, the site is ideally positioned to leverage further benefits from existing mass transit investments in Brisbane Metro and Cross River Rail.

The Brisbane BOLD 2032 concept responds to the driver of the impending Brisbane 2032 Games as an opportunity to create legacy infrastructure for the State. It envisages a sporting precinct that is also able to accommodate a multi-purpose indoor arena and a new National Aquatics Centre.

Arcadis said that irrespective of the Olympics, SEQ needs a new oval stadium, suitable for cricket, AFL and concerts and that this can be developed in a commercially sustainable way with strong private sector involvement.

According to ShapingSEQ 2023, the population of SEQ will reach six million people by 2046. That’s an increase of more than 50% on current numbers.

Arcadis said, “Whilst this steep growth trajectory is influencing the development of transport, water, energy and health infrastructure, consideration must also be given to social infrastructure and providing sports and entertainment facilities befitting a region of this scale.

“The people of SEQ rightfully expect to be able to access world class sports events as well as the top touring performers without having to travel across state borders. We have seen many of the highest profile acts bypass SEQ on their tours of Australia. The Gabba hosted multiple AFL games this year that were sold out, with a growing Brisbane Lions supporter base that requires additional capacity and the future ability of Brisbane to host Test Cricket is uncertain beyond the Ashes of 2025.”

Arcadis said that having been supporting Archipelago for some time with the concept, and most recently being the cost consultant to the Paris 2024 Delivery Authority (SOLIDEO), It has a strong appreciation of construction costings.

It added, “We estimate the cost of a 60,000+ seat stadium at Victoria Park to be $2.3bn. It’s important to note that for this option, there are no temporary costs in the way that a redevelopment of the Gabba would require significant spending to temporarily re-house the Brisbane Lions AFL and Brisbane Heat Big Bash League teams whilst the stadium is redeveloped.”

A new stadium at Victoria Park also provides the opportunity to find a new use for the land currently occupied by the Gabba.

“The Victoria Park stadium will provide the Olympic legacy for Queensland that the residents of our state deserve,” Arcadis added.

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