Woolloongabba precinct revamp: Stadium to get ‘modest enhancement’ in 14,000-home plan put out to public

Plans for a revamped Woolloongabba precinct featuring 14,000 new dwellings and a central park have been thrown open to the public. SEE THE NEW CONCEPT

Consultation on a revamped Woolloongabba precinct with 14,000 new dwellings and a central park has been thrown open to local residents – but a rebuilt Gabba stadium has been officially dumped from the plans.

The proposed $2.7bn stadium was the centrepiece of the 2023 priority development area plan unveiled by the state government to transform the corner of the city ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.

But under the revamped 106ha plan unveiled by State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace, it notes “the previously proposed rebuild of the Gabba Stadium will not proceed”.

Instead, it states: “consideration will now be given to a modest enhancement of the existing facility which will mean AFL and cricket are not displaced”.

Woolloongabba priority development area map.

Ms Grace said the plan was a “40-year vision intended to enable more housing, including social and affordable housing, more jobs and more urban public spaces”.

She said it would deliver enough new homes to accommodate 24,000 extra people over the next four decades, and would deliver the commitment of 50 per cent open space in the Cross River Rail precinct via a proposed new Central Park.

The Queensland Government has launched its proposed Woolloongabba Plan development scheme.

Walkways and bikeways would also link the precinct to the CBD and South Bank, with an emphasis on safer routes and extra shade around the existing major roads.

“It is also envisaged that the precinct would provide workplace and business opportunities for around 36,000 workers—almost three times what is currently provided for in the area,” Ms Grace said.

“These mixed-use precincts will provide the potential for economic activity for sectors such as health, education, hospitality and entertainment.

“We have an unparalleled opportunity to build on the new public transport services and elevate Woolloongabba into a vibrant inner-city community.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to have their say about the future of Brisbane’s inner south and we encourage people to get involved.”

The stadium would undergo a “modest enhancement” under the new plans.

Ms Grace said community members were encouraged to make a submission with consultation open until June 14, and an anticipated finalisation of the proposed development scheme set for about September.

“We want to unlock the potential of under-utilised inner-city urban land through state-led urban renewal – serving as a southern gateway to Brisbane’s city centre, while supporting job creation, housing growth and new open space,” she said.

“At the heart of this is access to high frequency underground train stations, better access to high frequency bus services, and the freedom for residents to travel to the city or South Bank without the need for a car.

“PDA development schemes are designed to strike the balance between unlocking the economic and development potential for an area with the delivery of high-quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing and employment opportunities.”