Brisbane Olympic Stadium – design description

How was the concept for a new Olympic Stadium in Brisbane developed?

On August 17, 2024, a new urban design for Brisbane, called Northshore Vision 2050, was presented. Part of the project is to be a multi-purpose stadium with stands for 60,000 spectators, which could become the main venue for the 2032 Olympic Games, to be held in Brisbane.

Work on the concept took six months. The project is an initiative of the Brisbane Design Alliance, a consortium of local and foreign architectural studios of globally recognized reputation: Buchan, HKS, NRA Collaborative, Aurecon and Nikken Sekkei.

How much is the Northshore Vision 2050 project expected to cost to implement?

The implementation of the entire project is expected to cost A$6 billion. The investment is to be financed with private funds, although the initiators are counting on local authorities to donate land for construction, as well as make improvements to the transportation infrastructure in the area.

The plan is to be implemented over a period of years, and the first stage is to be primarily the preparation of the facilities needed for the games, including the stadium and the Olympic village, which is later to be transformed into a residential area.

Where will the new Brisbane Olympic Stadium be built?

The development is to be built in Northshore Hamilton, on the Brisbane River waterfront, a few kilometers east of Brisbane's downtown. The plan calls for the construction of footbridges leading to the Doomben railroad station and across the river to the Bulimba district.

Interestingly, a new stadium was proposed for the same site as early as 1998, but the idea was abandoned after the change in authorities, and Lang Park was redeveloped instead. Meanwhile, the authorities' original plan for the 2032 Games calls for the construction of an Olympic village at the site.

What does the vision for Brisbane's new Olympic Stadium entail?

The centerpiece of Northshore Vision 2050 is to be a stadium with a capacity of 60,000 spectators. The facility will take a very original, extravagant form. Attention will be drawn to the three wide promenades leading into the stadium, which flow seamlessly into the canopy over the stands. A residential building will tower over the grandstand on the north side.

The stands will be given an oval shape, suitable for hosting cricket and Australian football matches. It will also be possible to place an athletics track inside, allowing the stadium to serve as the main venue during the Olympic Games. There will be a large number of boxes above the auditorium, and the stadium is to be equipped with modern technology.

A gap will be created on the southwest curve, through which much of the spectators will be able to observe the skyline of Brisbane's downtown (central business district) with its tall skyscrapers.

What is to be created around the new Brisbane Olympic Stadium?

The project includes a new shoreline arrangement to resemble the former meanders of the Brisbane River. A channel will be dug around the stadium, making the facility actually sit on an artificially created island, connected to the mainland by several footbridges.

In addition to the stadium itself, the Northshore Vision 2050 also includes the creation of an Olympic village, an aquatics center, a hotel, restaurants, new retail and service areas and apartments. The revitalization of the area will include the creation of new pathways, green spaces and marinas, turning it into an attractive public space.

What role can the new Brisbane Olympic Stadium project play during the 2032 Olympics?

After Brisbane was awarded the hosting of the 2032 Olympic Games in 2021, the issue of the stadium that would be the main venue for the competition arose. Initially, it was to be a redeveloped The Gabba, and later a new venue in Victoria Park was also considered.

In March 2024, these ideas were discarded, and the new plan is to redevelop the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre. Initial assumptions, however, are remarkably modest: the stadium is expected to hold 40,000 spectators, most of which will be temporary stands without canopies.

Meanwhile, the new concept for Northshore has been prepared with flair and a great deal of originality, providing an interesting alternative to the plans being prepared by the authorities, especially since the facility is to be built with a large share of private capital. The vision has even been described by some media as “saving the Games for Brisbane”, although the first reactions of the authorities to the new proposal were rather skeptical.

When will the Brisbane Olympic Stadium be built?

Proponents hope to open the stadium in 2031, a year before the Games. In order to be able to fit in the schedule and in time for the Games, work should start no later than 2026.

How will the Brisbane Olympic Stadium be used after the Games?

Numerous commercial functions are expected to guarantee the maintenance of the facility after the 2032 Olympic Games. The oval shape will allow the organization of matches of popular cricket and Australian football. It is very possible that one of the local professional teams will move into the stadium permanently. The facility will be suitable for major sporting events, as well as concerts and other activities.