$6B privately funded stadium proposal for Brisbane Olympics
A $6 billion privately funded stadium precinct has been proposed for Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympics, featuring a 60,000-seat waterfront stadium.
However, the plan has been met with swift resistance from the Queensland government, who despite facing an election wipeout in October, are pushing ahead with a controversial plan to upgrade QSAC at Nathan.
The proposed precinct, designed by a consortium of renowned architects including the firms behind LA’s SoFi Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, features a state-of-the-art 60,000-capacity stadium, aquatic centre, hotel, athletes’ village, riverfront walkways and retail spaces.
The private investment model behind the Olympic precinct plan would ensure it won’t cost taxpayers an extra cent, with the alliance working with private developers, landowners and select government departments to bring the mega plan to life – privately funded, similar to Perth’s Optus Stadium.
However, state government Minister Di Farmer made it clear that the Queensland government is committed to its own investments in the Northshore area, including social housing and upgrades to the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) at Mt Gravatt.
According to Farmer, tenders have already been issued for these developments and the state is focused on moving forward with its existing plans.
The Northshore precinct proposal has been in development for six months, with architects, engineers, and planners joining forces to present an alternative vision for the 2032 Games.
The consortium, dubbed the Brisbane Design Alliance, believes the privately funded project would not only enhance the Games experience but also deliver long-term benefits, such as 12,000 additional residential dwellings and improved transport infrastructure.
Despite the potential benefits, the government’s commitment to its $1.6 billion QSAC upgrade remains firm. The controversial proposal would see the home of the 1982 Commonwealth Games redeveloped for the Olympic Games, with a capacity of just 40,000, making it the smallest Olympic stadium since 1928. Temporary stands would be removed following the Games giving it a 14,000 capacity in legacy mode for athletics.
A concept image of what Brisbane’s Olympic stadium at QSAC could look like. Via Nine
The Northshore proposal would require the government to provide the necessary land and focus its investments on transport improvements in the area, a move that Ms. Farmer seems reluctant to consider.
Andrew Colling, director at HKS Australia, highlighted the broader benefits of the Northshore development, noting that the precinct would cater to Brisbane’s projected population growth while offering a world-class stadium experience.
He emphasised that transport upgrades, including enhanced train, bus, and ferry networks, would be key to the precinct’s success.
The consortium envisions a mixed-use precinct that would continue to thrive long after the Olympics, with the stadium potentially becoming a new home for the Brisbane Lions and Cricket Queensland.
The venue’s design allows for spectacular views of the Brisbane city skyline, ensuring it remains a landmark beyond the Games.
While the government’s focus remains on its QSAC project, the Brisbane Design Alliance hopes that state authorities will reconsider the Northshore proposal. With work needing to commence by 2026 to meet Olympic deadlines.
Other stadium proposals for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics have included the Gabba rebuild and a new stadium precinct at Victoria Park, both of which have ultimately been rejected. However, a change of government in October could see the plans changed once more.
