Brisbane 2032: Arcadis Qld on why Victoria Park is the only stadium location worth considering

Analysis by a global design firm shows Victoria Park is the most cost-effective location to build a new stadium for the Brisbane Olympics.

A 60,000 seat Olympic stadium at Victoria Park would cost less than demolishing and rebuilding the Gabba, with the entire precinct to set the state back $6bn.

Analysis by global design and consultancy firm Arcadis shows the plan put forward by Peter Edwards’ architect firm Archipelago to turn Victoria Park into a world-class sporting and entertainment precinct would see a mere $2.6bn price tag for a new stadium – $43,000 per seat.

The Gabba redevelopment, which has been assessed by the government’s 100-day Olympic infrastructure panel, was slated to cost $2.7bn.

Archipelago’s Brisbane Bold plan would cost a total $5.99bn if the state government chose to develop all three proposed key venues – the Olympic stadium, National Aquatic Centre and Brisbane Arena.

Archipelago Architects Brisbane Bold 2032 Olympic Park concept designs for Victoria Park Picture Archipelago Architects

The 7,500-seat aquatic centre would cost $511m, and the 20,000 seat Brisbane Arena $800m, or $40,000 per seat.

Parkland development and the remaining public facilities throughout the precinct would total nearly $2bn.

Arcadis Queensland executive Paul Allen said while the costings were “early,” the construction of the three key venues on a single sight would be economically beneficial for the state government, particularly as it looks to engage private partnership.

“There’s a cost advantage to having multiple venues on the one site, the access for materials, the lack of disruption and the fact that it’s on greenfield,” he said.

“If the governments talking about private funding they’ll want a return they want cost effective builds.

Archipelago Architects Brisbane Bold 2032 Olympic Park concept designs for Victoria Park Picture Archipelago Architects

Archipelago Architects Brisbane Bold 2032 Olympic Park concept designs for Victoria Park Picture Archipelago Architects

“Then more government money can be spent on the precinct and connecting it to the city.”

Mr Allen said transport options for QSAC would have cost more than the stadium build itself, while areas like North Shore Hamilton had no transport option.

“We looked at the arena when it was proposed at Roma St and the platform alone was up to $1.5bn before you even starting building on it,” he said.

“For me, there’s nowhere else to put it in Brisbane.”

Artist impressions of the National Aquatics Centre proposed for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Credit: Archipelago Architects.

It is understood the state government is primed to chose the Victoria Park site for the stadium and aquatics centre, with the Brisbane Arena potentially housed at the former GoPrint site above the Woolloongabba Cross River Rail station.

Archipelago founder Peter Edwards said like Expo88, the 2032 Games was a once-off event and infrastructure needed to be legacy focused.

“This would be a knowledge precinct, a home for nurses and students in a major growth corridor,” he said.

“Stadiums are predominantly for football and cricket and U2 when they decide to tour again

“The arena will be predominantly for entertainment but also basketball.”

Originally published as Brisbane 2032: Arcadis Qld on why Victoria Park is the only stadium location worth considering