Alliance of stadium architects call for end to Olympic Games secrecy

An alliance of architects is lobbying for the state government to end its Olympic Games secrecy while releasing its radical vision for a rebuilt Gabba.

An alliance of architects responsible for some of the world’s most recognisable stadiums are lobbying the state government to end its Olympic Games secrecy and ensure the Gabba becomes the envy of the globe.

A parkland observation deck on its roof and a cocoon of timber and sandstone could feature in the redeveloped Gabba – Brisbane’s main Olympic Games stadium – if global design ideas are considered, the alliance argues.

The Palaszczuk government has broken with precedent by housing an Olympic Delivery Authority – the group responsible for building games-related infrastructure – within the public sector.

To combat fears a closed procurement process will deliver an uninspiring Gabba, an alliance of architects featuring HKS, Buchan and Nikken Sekkei has been formed to remind the government of the “once in a generation” opportunity to deliver an instantly-recognisable and “distinctly Australian” main stadium.

An alliance of architects has revealed its vision for a rebuilt Gabba.

HKS director Andrew Colling said instead of a cookie-cutter concrete stadium, the redeveloped Gabba could feature a timber shell with blended greenery and sandstone.

“It’s a one-in-a-generation opportunity to create something that’s not only distinctly South East Queensland but distinctly Australian,” he said.

“Timber will play a big role and we’ll be celebrating the fact we love to be on timber verandas.

“I’d go as far to say there’s no reason we couldn’t turn the roof into a park with an observation deck looking back to the city.”

The Gabba will become Brisbane’s main Olympics stadium.

Mr Colling said the clean slate offered by razing the Gabba put the city in a strong position to create something unique.

“We know the Gabba is not the easiest or cheapest choice for the government, but it’s the right choice because if you look where Brisbane will be in 20 years after the Olympics it will be a global city

“We can demonstrate to the world how a major piece of stadium infrastructure can really integrate with the community.”

A state government spokesman said discussions with engineers, architects, contractors and industry bodies were underway as part of a project validation report (PVR) process.

“As part of the PVR process, government is already consulting with some of the best architectural and design firms in the world, including Populous,” he said.

“Engaging local industry and generating jobs is a key priority for the Palaszczuk government as Queensland’s golden decade of opportunity continues.

“Brisbane 2032 has a Queensland-first procurement strategy, underpinned by the Buy “Queensland policy written into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Arrangements Act.

“This benefits as many local businesses, workers, and their communities as possible.”

Earlier this month the government revealed a rebuilt Gabba would have a raised playing field to allow cars to park under the stadium and a pedestrian bridge to Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro.

Under current plans, the Gabba will feature a raised playing field to allow cars to park under the stadium and a pedestrian bridge to Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro.

Details of the $2.7bn rebuild were revealed for the first time, with the design also including a roof providing 75 per cent coverage for sports fans and a greater viewing experience for the 50,000 capacity.

Heritage listed buildings in the precinct including the former Woolloongabba Police Station and the East Brisbane State School will be preserved, but students will move to the Coorparoo Secondary College site.