A new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park will be the centrepiece of Brisbane 2032 as part of a blueprint to be delivered within the existing $7.1 billion budget, the Queensland government has confirmed.
The David Crisafulli-led government also confirmed a new national aquatic centre would be built in Spring Hill, which will have a capacity of 25,000 seats during the Games and become the long-time home of the national governing bodies for swimming, artistic swimming, water polo and diving.
Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed Queensland Tennis Centre will receive an upgrade ensuring the Brisbane 2032 tennis events are not stolen by Melbourne Park.
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And it was confirmed Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River, which is inhabited by crocodiles, will host rowing and canoe sprint.
A total of 1343 days after Brisbane was announced as the host city of the 2032 Games, the Queensland government revealed on Tuesday the definitive venues and infrastructure blueprint for Australia’s first Olympics and Paralympics since Sydney 2000.
The new 63,000-seat stadium will host athletics during the Games and stage Brisbane Lions matches and international cricket for decades, with the Gabba to continue staging AFL and cricket in the meantime.
Many disagree with the build of a new stadium at the inner-city Victoria Park, partly because it will wipe out a significant amount of green space which environmental activists say is crucial to reducing temperature and improving air quality.
An artist’s impression of how Victoria Park and Spring Hill will look come Brisbane 2032. Supplied
The Queensland Tennis Centre, which features Pat Rafter Arena, will expand to include a new 3000-seat show court and 12 new match courts.
Athlete villages will be spread across Brisbane Showgrounds, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
The national aquatic centre project will see Centenary Pool upgraded and complemented by the construction of both a main and secondary stadium, which will be reduced from a 25,000-seat capacity to 8000 seats in legacy mode.
Brisbane Aquatic Centre in Chandler will also be upgraded and host a minor portion of competition during the Games.
An artist’s impression of how the national aquatic centre will look. Supplied
An inside look at the national aquatic centre, according to an artist’s impression. Supplied
Swimming Australia chief executive Rob Woodhouse hailed the approval of a national aquatic centre as “the most significant investment ever in aquatic sports in Australia”.
“As well as the critically important community and health benefits for all Australians, the NAC [national aquatic centre] will set our aquatic sports up for ongoing success for the next 50 years beyond the 2032 Games,” Woodhouse said.
“Our magnificent Paralympians and Olympians will inspire us all through their achievements at the NAC in 2032 and for decades after.
“Thank you to the Queensland government for understanding the real legacy the NAC will provide for all Australians.”
Crisafulli said his government’s plan would ensure a “lasting legacy”.
“We now have the gameplan for 2032 and beyond, and it’s time to put it into action,” Crisafulli said.
