Design Unveiled for 2032 Olympic Stadium in Brisbane

The design for the Victoria Park Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, to be used for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, has been officially unveiled.

The stadium, with a capacity of 63,000, will be designed and constructed by Australian firms Cox and Hassell, in collaboration with Japanese group Azusa Sekkei. The companies previously worked on the Optus Stadium in Perth and the redevelopment of the Adelaide Oval and the MCG in Melbourne.

It is anticipated that the project will cost in the region of AU$3.6 billion (US$2.4 billion) and form part of a $7.1 billion plan to ensure all of the venues in Queensland will be ready in time for the 2032 Games. Initial civil engineering processes to create the site for the new stadium are expected to get underway later this year.

“The importance of long views, capturing cooling breezes, and the essential provision of shade, all embody the relaxed way of life that Queenslanders cherish — qualities that are integral to our culture,” said Cox Architecture Director Richard Coulson.

Once the 2032 Games have taken place, the stadium is due to host Brisbane Lions Australian rules and cricket matches, in addition to other entertainment events.

Reviews and Environmental Concerns

A decision was reached to build the new stadium following a 100-day independent review into venues, infrastructure and transport around Queensland. An initial plan was also put forward to propose The Brisbane Cricket Ground (more widely known as The Gabba) as a potential Olympic stadium but that has since been scrapped, with the cricket ground looking likely to be demolished after the Games for more urban renewal.

The Victoria Park Stadium project has drawn criticism from local advocacy group Save Victoria Park, with some members staging a small protest outside the QUT building where the press conference was held. The protesters argue that the new stadium would have a negative environmental impact on the trees, hills and natural wildlife in the park, and that the $3.6 billion cost could spiral to up to $4.4 billion under economic modelling.

However, the state government has already passed legislation which will allow it to bypass planning laws for Olympic sporting venues. In March last year, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said that Victoria Park was a “clear” choice to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.
Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Summer Games July 23 through August 8, 2032, and the Paralympic Summer Games August 24 through September 5, 2032.