Brisbane 2032 Games: IOC backs $2.7b Gabba revamp

Brisbane 2032 Games bosses have travelled to IOC headquarters, where the city’s Gabba rebuild got a formal stamp of approval.

The International Olympic Committee has publicly backed the flagship $2.7bn revamp of the Gabba as the Brisbane 2032 Games bosses travelled to Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland.

President Andrew Liveris and chief executive Cindy Hook made the trip for the first meeting of the IOC Coordination Commission for Brisbane 2032, with the duo providing the body with an update of the progress so far on the Games set to be held in nine years.

Commission chairwoman Kirsty Coventry described the meeting as a historic gathering.

“With nine years ahead, in partnership with Brisbane 2032, we are focused on the unique opportunity to embrace innovation and chart a path that redefines the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the next generation,” she said.

“The extensive groundwork already underway reflects our shared vision to bring about profound transformations in the lives of local communities through the power of the Games.”

Asked about the multibillion-dollar Gabba redevelopment, Ms Coventry said the IOC was excited about the redevelopment, and that it would be a legacy for Brisbane.

International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland

“We’re looking forward to being able to use an incredible venue at Games time,” she said. “If everything goes to plan, the community will have early access to the venue way before the Games.

“From the early stages with the bid all the way up until now, the renovation and building of the Gabba is all because of the community.”

Mr Liveris said the organising committee’s aim was to drive success through collaboration, “and we’re well underway with our planning to achieve this”.

“Since the evolution of the organising committee in April 2022, our priority has been to build a solid foundation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

“In our initial phase, we have been focused on education, establishment and engagement – and I must thank every one of our Games delivery partners for supporting a united effort to see Brisbane shine on the world stage in the lead-up to and in 2032.”

Originally published as Brisbane 2032 Games: IOC backs $2.7b Gabba revamp