Work to upgrade the Gabba underway
A $35 million upgrade of The Gabba is underway, with works to modernised the Brisbane stadium and improve the match-day atmosphere and experience for fans.
The upgrade includes enhancements to entries and ticketing areas, public concourses, food and beverage outlets, bar and entertainments spaces, improved signage and wayfinding, and upgraded media and corporate spaces.
Project works are currently in the demolition phase, beginning with the demolition of the eastern media zone, corporate suites and entry gates.
The Managing Contractor, Watpac were appointed in January 2020 and works began in March. The project is on track for completion by October 2020, ahead of the first match of the ICC T20 World Cup.
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Stadiums Queensland Chief Executive, Todd Harris stated “The Gabba has a proud place in Queensland’s sporting and entertainment history, and these upgrades will ensure that reputation continues, and importantly keep people employed.
“Upgrades will improve the experience, with colour-coded theming of entrances to make it easier to get around, simplified signage, a sensory room, adult change facility, new eateries and destination bars and historical features to highlight our proud history.”
The Gabba General Manager Mark Zundans said construction was on schedule, noting “demolition works are well progressed and construction is well underway on the Eastern side of the grounds, with all works expected to be completed by October 2020.
Stadiums Queensland is working with the Department of Housing and Public Works to deliver the project. The project has been designed by local Brisbane architecture firm Populous and construction will be delivered by Watpac who were also involved in The Gabba’s most significant redevelopment in the 90’s/00s, as well as the recent installation of the new high definition video screens.
The Gabba’s key hirers Brisbane Lions, AFL, Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket have also provided detailed input into the project plans.
The upgrade will not include a change to seating capacity. During construction there will be no change to general seating areas, however the schedule of works may result in some short-term unavailability of selected areas, such as bars and corporate spaces. The official capacity of venue remains at 42,000.
The $35 million project has secured the traditional first cricket Test of the Australian summer at the Brisbane venue, including the tour of India this coming summer and the Ashes Series in 2021/22.
