Gabba, Brisbane Arena builds move to next exciting phase

The next major phase of Brisbane’s two new Olympic and Paralympic showpiece stadiums has begun.

The next major phase of Brisbane’s two new Olympic and Paralympic showpiece stadiums has begun, with the state government undertaking market sounding on the development and delivery of the billion-dollar projects.

The Courier-Mail understands major industry players have been engaged by the government on the $2.7bn knockdown and rebuild of the Gabba, with a similar process for the $2.5bn Brisbane Arena set to commence.

Market sounding is a key step in many major government projects, where the state seeks feedback from the private sector on delivery models, market conditions, timelines and tender processes.

Insiders close to the projects say they back the move, and also expect bidding for the flagship and city-changing developments to be strong despite intense pressures within the construction industry.

Screen grabs from a digital depiction of how the Gabba will be transformed for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane.

Under a funding agreement signed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in February, the state will foot the bill for the redevelopment of the 50,000-seat Gabba – the cost of which was originally floated at just $1bn, $1.7bn less than the current figure.

The federal government will fork out the $2.5bn for the new 17,000 seat Brisbane Arena – which has been flagged to be built at Roma Street – and will include a drop-in swimming pool for the Games.

Despite the stadium being the brainchild of Brisbane entertainment kingpin and ASM Global boss Harvey Lister, US-based Oak View Group has emerged as a late competitor for the project after the state government confirmed a “competitive tender process” for the development.

Brisbane will be reshaped for the 2032 Games.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles confirmed market sounding for Brisbane Arena was set to get underway in the coming weeks.

“Feedback will be sought from key industry stakeholders on a range of aspects including market conditions, procurement models and practical delivery of the project,” he said.

“The new Brisbane Arena will provide Brisbane and Queensland with a world-class facility for premium live events that is highly accessible and well connected.

“It will revitalise an underutilised inner-city precinct by helping Queensland to attract a greater variety of entertainment and international sporting events and strengthen Brisbane’s tourism sector.”

The progress comes after earlier this week Dr Miles unveiled a $1.2bn private-sector development called Station Square set to be built near the Gabba, which would incorporate the heritage listed Railway Hotel and include offices, hotel and retail.

It was understood industry had expressed interest in re-using elements of the Gabba, with the state government keen to ensure the wider precinct linked smoothly to the new Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro stations.