Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Huge interest in Gabba precinct arena tender

A state government plan to invite the private sector to build a new indoor entertainment centre as part of a redevelopment of the Gabba precinct has attracted hundreds of interested parties.

An early concept for a Brisbane Arena alongside a redeveloped Gabba stadium

The Queensland government’s bold plan to invite the private sector to build a new indoor entertainment centre as part of a redevelopment of the Gabba precinct has attracted more than 200 expressions of interest in just a week.

The interest comes as the state and federal governments remain at odds over whether $2.5bn of federal cash already allocated to build the new inner-city arena should be spent on other Games venues.

The Queensland government last Tuesday opened a formal market engagement process inviting businesses to register their interest to turn the former Goprint site into an entertainment and housing precinct – with the Gabba stadium to remain until after 2032.

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie revealed on Monday that more than 200 registrations had been received from interested private-sector parties who recognised the “once-in-a-generation opportunity”.

“The transformational opportunity to deliver a world-class entertainment venue as part of a vibrant new 9ha entertainment and housing precinct in Woolloongabba will be a lasting legacy from the Games,” Mr Bleijie said.

The government’s vision for the Gabba precinct is that it will unlock tourism opportunities through major events, attract new hospitality, retail, and residential development investments, increase housing and public transport connectivity.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie (front) with Premier David Crisafulli in Townsville on Monday. Picture: Evan Morgan

The state government’s plan to fund the precinct’s development with private capital is their way of convincing the feds to reallocate their $2.5bn to other 2032 Games venues.

But two months after the unveiling of the 2032 Delivery Plan at The Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane event, an agreement is yet to be reached.

The state has been in discussions with reappointed federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King since the May 3 election to finalise the new Intergovernmental Agreement.

These discussions follow a meeting with the Prime Minister and Ms King prior to the release of the 2032 Delivery Plan and further discussions ahead of the Federal election.

“The Crisafulli government continues to work with the Australian Government on the funding needed to deliver the Games on time and on budget,” Mr Bleijie said on Monday.

It is understood the federal government will not make a decision on the money until it receives more information on the costs of the venues.

A spokeswoman for federal Minister King said final federal investment decisions would be made in line with the Intergovernmental Agreement, “supported by appropriate project assurance work”.

“We remain committed to our capped contribution and want to see a games that delivers a lasting legacy for Queensland,” the spokeswoman said.

Following the formal market engagement, and if the $2.5bn is reallocated, a competitive process will be developed to invite private proposals for the 9ha Gabba precinct.