Brisbane Olympics Centrepiece Planning Out of the Blocks

The procurement starter’s pistol has been fired for the creation of the centrepiece of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.  

With just seven years to go, expressions of interest have been called from masterplanning contractors and their subcontractor teams for the new Victoria Park precinct (as pictured in the main image Brisbane BOLD by Archipelago).

It is a pivotal step in providing the foundation for the creation of the Games state-of-the-art 63,000-seat main stadium, National Aquatic Centre and athletes village.

The Queensland Government is spruiking it as a key milestone in shaping a “transformative project [that] will reimagine this inner Brisbane precinct as a world-class hub for recreation, events, entertainment, and lifestyle, leaving a lasting legacy for Queenslanders well beyond the Games”.

It follows the unveiling of a new 2032 Olympics infrastructure plan in March and more recently the Australian and Queensland governments signing off on the $7.1-billion deal that will deliver 17 new and upgraded venues across Queensland.

The procurement process calling for expressions of interest to prepare an integrated masterplan for the Victoria Park precinct will close on August 1 ahead of a request for a tender process to short-listed proponents.

The first phase of the project includes technical site investigations, planning, and design activities to support infrastructure delivery.

Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie described it as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for industry leaders to help deliver Queensland’s largest infrastructure legacy”.

“With the precinct to include Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park, the National Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill and the Brisbane Athlete Village in Brisbane Showgrounds, it will become a key part of Queensland’s Games legacy,” he said.

The 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics events. It is then planned to become the new home to AFL and cricket in Queensland, replacing the ageing Gabba.

▲ The National Aquatic Centre by Archipelago. Main image: Brisbane BOLD by Archipelago.

A key criteria of the masterplanning process will be on creating “world-class and iconic public and green spaces, improving connectivity, and creating seamless experiences for the thousands expected to enjoy the precinct during and long after the Games”.

According to the government, community feedback on the Victoria Park precinct masterplan will also play a pivotal role in shaping features such as open spaces, public realm enhancements and parklands.

Meanwhile, it has passed legislation to ensure infrastructure projects for the 2032 Olympics will be exempt from major planning rules in a bid to ensure they are not held up by potential legal challenges.

In July, minor venue procurement was launched for work to begin at four key Games venues across the state: the Logan Indoor Sports Centre, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, Barlow Park Stadium upgrade and Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade. Expressions of interest for these closed on July 24.

Simon Crooks, who most recently led the delivery of the Queen’s Wharf precinct fronting the Brisbane River, has been appointed chief executive of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) and tasked with delivering the 2032 Olympics infrastructure program.

As well this week, the newly-appointed 15-member Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee Board was announced.

It includes Andrew Liveris AO (Independent President), Tim Mander MP (Queensland Government nominee, Vice President), Anika Wells MP (Australian Government nominee, Vice President), Greg Norman AO (Independent), Rebecca Frizelle OAM (Independent), Cr Adrian Schrinner (Brisbane City Council nominee), Cr Tom Tate (Gold Coast City Council nominee), Cr Rosanna Natoli (Sunshine Coast City Council nominee), Jess Fox OAM OLY (International Olympic Committee member, Australia), Robyn Smith OAM (International Paralympic Committee Board member, Australia), Ian Chesterman AM (Australian Olympic Committee President), John Coates AC (Australian Olympic Committee Hon. Life President), Grant Mizens OAM PLY (Paralympic Australia President), Kurt Fearnley AO PLY (Paralympic athlete) and Georgia Baker OLY (Olympic athlete).