Brisbane ‘river stadium’ vision emerges after Queen's Wharf overhaul

Brisbane’s largest riverfront project has delivered a stunning transformation that could reshape how the city showcases itself to the world in 2032. SEE THE PICTURES

The $450m Riverline is one of the largest riverfront landscape architecture projects undertaken in the southern hemisphere. Picture: Scott Burrows Photography

A Brisbane River stadium could be created for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games after the $450m overhaul of a neglected stretch of its shoreline.

Riverline, a 1.2km overhaul of Brisbane’s riverfront within the $4.5bn Queen’s Wharf precinct, is one of the largest riverfront landscape architecture projects in the southern hemisphere.

Snaking beneath Queen’s Wharf between the Goodwill and Neville Bonner pedestrian bridges, Riverline features new footpaths, a cafe, 62,000 plants and trees and 3000sq m of turf – enough to fit 3000 picnic blankets.

The $450m Riverline is one of the largest riverfront landscape architecture projects undertaken in the southern hemisphere. Picture: Scott Burrows Photography

Project proponents CUSP said the new active transport links, flood-resilient open space and expanded green network for the CBD should be used as a blueprint for the proposed Games’ green spine, which would link city venues along tree-lined paths.

CUSP director Stephen Pate, a landscape architect who helped design James Street and South Bank’s River Quay, said Riverline enhanced the city’s connection to the river.

“For too long, this stretch of waterfront was disconnected and underused,” he said.

The $450m Riverline is one of the largest riverfront landscape architecture projects undertaken in the southern hemisphere. Picture: Scott Burrows Photography

“The project’s completion has ultimately set the stage for Brisbane’s ‘River Stadium’ – our river city arena – ahead of 2032 and directly aligns with our industry’s calls to continue this focus on extending connected, high-quality public spaces beyond our river.

“Riverline is a vibrant, resilient and people-first public space – ready to welcome the world in 2032 and deliver a lasting legacy for Brisbane’s residents today.”

Organisers of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have indicated they would not follow Paris and hold the opening ceremony on a river.

While the Brisbane River is not earmarked to host sporting events, it is expected to play a role in Games festivities.

The $450m Riverline is one of the largest riverfront landscape architecture projects undertaken in the southern hemisphere. Picture: Scott Burrows Photography

The $450m Riverline is one of the largest riverfront landscape architecture projects undertaken in the southern hemisphere. Picture: Scott Burrows Photography

Originally published as Brisbane ‘river stadium’ vision emerges after Queen's Wharf overhaul