Olympic transformation for new ‘South Bank’ in South Brisbane

Council has revealed a 7ha inner-city site will be redeveloped to house the media during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and then later transformed into South Bank-like parkland.

A new multi-use parkland precinct would be built on the banks of the Brisbane River at South Brisbane under plans to transform an industrial site into an Olympics venue for the 2032 Games.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has revealed a seven hectare site on Montague Road is set to be purchased for the Games, and would be used to house the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) for the duration of the sporting spectacle.

Once the Games are over, the temporary venue would be removed and the site would then be turned into parkland – which Brisbane City Council says would be similar to South Bank.

Cr Schrinner pointed to how World Expo ’88 led to the creation of South Bank and said the 2032 Games would “facilitate the next phase of this evolution”.

An industrial site near the Parmalat milk factory is likely to be transformed into the IBC for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“The mayors of South East Queensland began the journey to pursue these Games because they realised the incredible legacy this would create for Brisbane and the rest of the region,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This new area on the banks of the Brisbane River is precisely the type of legacy they envisaged, great new assets that would benefit all residents and make our wonderful city even better.

“For a decade and more, people have talked about South Bank being extended along this part of our river and I am so pleased we’re now moving forward to make those dreams become a reality.”

The council says negotiations with the owners of the industrial site – which is understood to not be the Parmalat site – are underway.

The IBC venue – where the world’s media will converge during the Games – is expected to be about 57,000 sqm and would be within walking distance of several venues.

The proposed site is also close to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is expected to host the Main Press Centre.

“Obviously, the Games are some years away but we’re eager to get on with the job of delivering this and other amazing new assets for the people of Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.

“This will give us plenty of time to work with the State to secure the land and for Council to masterplan this area for all Brisbane residents in the future.”

Originally published as Olympic transformation for new ‘South Bank’ in South Brisbane