INNOVATIVE PROPOSAL FOR 2032 OLYMPIC STADIUM IN BRISBANE

The scheme, Northshore Vision 2050, was conceived by the Brisbane Design Alliance, a collaborative team of architecture, planning and engineering firms that comprises Buchan, HKS, NRA Collaborative, Aurecon and Nikken Sekkei. The design is a response to the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which wrapped up less than a fortnight ago.

The proposed precinct features a 60,000-seat stadium with an adjacent aquatic centre, a wave pool and retail and hospitality zone. The scheme includes pedestrian promenades that would maximise access to the Brisbane River and create a waterfront tourism destination.

Andrew Colling, director of HKS, said the proposed design transforms underutilised industrial land, as well as leverages the potential of the Brisbane River as a prominent feature. He explained that the scheme responds to projected population growth in the next 25 years through a mixed-use precinct located on the shores of the Brisbane River.

Colling added that the scheme addresses the challenges of the city’s existing sports infrastructure. “We love the Gabba and its history, but its potential will always be constrained by its narrow site,” he said. “A new, world-class stadium at Northshore can be purpose-built for cricket and Aussie Rules while creating a unique Brisbane 2032 Olympics experience and venue to be proud of. Having direct connection to the river and views from inside the stadium back to the CBD will showcase our city’s natural beauty, river setting and sub-tropical climate to the world.”

The proposed project would be delivered in stages, said Buchan principal Phil Schoutrop. “Stage one would establish a sports and entertainment precinct that accommodates the 2032 Olympics. It includes the stadium, warm-up facilities, and a 2,500 apartment athletes’ village, alongside hotel, restaurant and leisure amenities,” Schoutrop said.

The ensuing stages would occur over 15 years. This would see the establishment of:

• an additional 12,000 residential apartments and townhouses
• enterprise, innovation and cultural zones
• a specialist high performance sports science and sports medicine zone
• a central park with public open spaces

An elevated, landscaped walkway or highline would later connect the precinct to Doomben Station, while a green pedestrian bridge over the river would link the site to the suburb of Bulimba.

The alliance has proposed the scheme could be brought to life through a private finance model, minimising costs to the state.