Brisbane Games: 20 Put Up Hand to Build Olympic Heart

Twenty submissions to deliver the Victoria Park precinct ahead of the 2032 Games have been received by the Queensland Government.

The masterplan to create a world-class hub for recreation, events, entertainment and lifestyle includes the Brisbane Showgrounds and surrounds.

As well, the state revealed, more than 250 submissions have been received in the two weeks since the Queensland Government opened registrations of interest for the design and construction sector to work with the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) on the delivery of 17 new and upgraded 2032 venues. 

And expressions of interest for a delivery partner to support the authority in providing a broad range of program-management services critical to 2032 Games venues infrastructure program has received 48 submissions. The successful applicant will be engaged by the end of the year. 

The procurement of a delivery partner was a critical step to delivering the 2032 venues on time and on budget, the Government said.

The milestone came a month after the authority announced the appointment of a new chief executive, Simon Crooks, who will lead delivery of the Games infrastructure outlined in the Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan as well as meeting a key requirement of the recently amended Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangement Act 2021.  

“Early works will also soon begin to transform the Brisbane Showgrounds for 2032 and beyond, including restoration works on two heritage-listed grandstands and progressing plans for a 20,000 seat Main Arena upgrade,” the Government said. 

“Last week, the Government officially signed the new Intergovernmental Agreement with the Australian Government, formalising the landmark funding deal and locking in the delivery of critical and generational Games infrastructure for 2032 and beyond.  

“The Australian Government has allocated a capped contribution of $3.435 billion to the $7.1-billion Games Venue Infrastructure Program, [under which] both governments will work together to deliver 17 new or upgraded venues delivered across Queensland.”

Simon Crooks said it was “wonderful to see the level of interest from the market in partnering with us to deliver these 17 new and upgraded venues across the state”.