Construction works will begin with the new Brisbane Arena, which is to be the state's premier indoor arena, with the broader precinct earmarked for thousands of new homes alongside retail, commercial and entertainment uses, positioning the area as one of Brisbane’s most significant urban renewal opportunities.

 

The project would see the existing Gabba stadium ultimately decommissioned following the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the site redeveloped into a mixed use precinct anchored by a new indoor entertainment arena and supported by residential, retail and public spaces. The intent is to create a more active, year round destination rather than a single use stadium site.

The current geotechnical drilling program will test ground conditions to inform foundation design for the arena, with enabling works expected to begin in the middle of the year.

Two consortia have been shortlisted for the Brisbane Arena project, which will be developed as a public-private partnership. The Brisbane Entertainment Alliance Consortium and the Gather Brisbane Consortium were shortlisted based on their expertise in delivering and financing large’‘scale infrastructure projects, operating major events and entertainment venues, and developing complex, master’‘planned precincts.

 

 

The precinct is planned as a transit-oriented hub, leveraging its connectivity to the Cross River Rail station and surrounding transport infrastructure.

According to the Queensland Government, the project is intended to position Woolloongabba as a major cultural, residential and entertainment destination, while also unlocking new private investment opportunities across housing, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the projects were a coordinated push to deliver legacy infrastructure for the state.

“The Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct is a once-in-a-generation development that will transform Brisbane and leave an economic, cultural and social legacy well beyond the 2032 Games,” he said.