Brisbane's new Olympic stadium plans have just taken a significant step forward — but here's where it gets controversial and sparks debate: the initial design concepts for the city’s upcoming 63,000-seat arena at Victoria Park have finally been unveiled, generated by the renowned Australian architecture firms COX and Hassell. These designs mark an exciting milestone in the city’s sports and entertainment infrastructure development.
Queensland’s Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie, shared this morning on the Today show that these firms successfully secured the project after a competitive three-month procurement process. Alongside them, the design will also be created in collaboration with Azusa Sekkei, a Japan-based architecture firm known for their extensive experience in stadium design.
Dubbed "Brisbane Stadium," and described as a genuinely "iconically Queensland" structure, this venue is set to serve as the new home for both the Brisbane Lions football team and cricket matches once the iconic Gabba stadium reaches the end of its operational life, anticipated around 2032. Bleijie emphasized the need for a larger stadium that can accommodate the growing demands of AFL and cricket fans, pointing out that the current Gabba no longer suffices.
"We need a bigger stadium, holding 63,000 spectators, to meet the needs of our AFL and cricket enthusiasts," he explained. "The Lions and the cricket teams currently play at the Gabba, but from 2032 onwards, they will transition to the new facility."
Bleijie also reassured the public that the government’s meticulous 100-day review process has laid a solid foundation to ensure the project stays on schedule. He mentioned that soil testing was completed by the end of last year, and drilling operations are already underway. With this momentum, construction is expected to commence early next year, and he expressed confidence that the timeline will be met.
Beyond sports, the new stadium aims to host concerts and other entertainment events. Bleijie pointed out that Queensland has been losing out on major concerts and sporting occasions to other Australian states due to the lack of suitable infrastructure.
The design partnership involves COX and Hassell working alongside the global consultancy Arup, which was announced last year to oversee the broader Victoria Park master plan, and the Infrastructure and Coordination Authority for the Games, known as GIICA. These firms bring a wealth of experience—they previously designed Perth's renowned Optus Stadium, and have worked on the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and Melbourne's MCG. Azusa Sekkei, the Japanese firm involved, boasts a portfolio of over 120 stadiums and arenas worldwide, including the iconic Japan National Stadium used for Tokyo 2020.
Richard Coulson, who is both Director and Chair of COX Architecture, expressed his pride at being awarded this project, emphasizing that the stadium’s design will honor its setting within the lush Victoria Park and reflect broader Queensland identity.
Hassell’s Managing Principal, Lucy O’Driscoll, shared her enthusiasm, describing the project as a true opportunity to put Brisbane on the global map. She highlighted that creating a venue that fills Queenslanders and Australians with pride is a core goal of the initiative.
Funding for this ambitious project will see just under half of the costs covered by the federal government, reaffirming nationwide support for Brisbane’s Olympic ambitions. For continuous updates on this story—alongside the latest news, sports, politics, and weather—download the 9NEWS app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
