Architects reveal ‘Green Grid’ plan to connect Brisbane 2032 venues
Brisbane could transform into an interconnected urban forest under a bold new plan that would revolutionise how visitors experience the 2032 Olympics across the city.
Tree-lined streets and walkways should connect Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic Games precincts to showcase the city’s liveability to the world, a new green places plan by architects reveals.
It calls for the creation of a “2032 Green Grid” that supports an urban Olympic forest in South East Queensland.
The plan, developed by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Design Institute of Australia and Planning Institute of Australia, forecasts a Games legacy with widespread access to social and economic opportunity through connected, high-quality public spaces.
It notes while 2032 Games venues are expected to feature striking design elements, the experience of visitors would be enhanced by strong connections between precincts.
Six strategic projects would create a Green Grid across the city and improve parks, creeks, green space, footpaths and cycle ways.
“This would support recreation, biodiversity and waterway health for the region, and
provide a lasting legacy for all Queenslanders by providing an integrated network that
combines into our own Olympic Forest,” the report notes.
Green footpaths on Brunswick St would link Fortitude Valley and the Herston hospital precinct, and then link the main Brisbane Olympic stadium at Victoria Park to Roma Street Parkland.
The streetscape in Brisbane’s CBD should be improved to link Roma Street Parkland to the City Botanic Gardens, and a major east-west green link connection between South Brisbane and Newstead to create a “cohesive network of sustainable travel options”.
The transformation of the Brisbane Showgrounds from athletes’ village to house thousands of residents should prompt a green connection between James St and the RNA precinct to enhance the liveability of the area.
Brisbane’s two entertainment hubs and growth areas, Fortitude Valley and Woolloongabba, deserved better connectivity with stunning visuals, smoother functionality and a welcome boost in greenery, the plan proposes.
Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture Queensland president Glen Power said connecting Brisbane suburbs would improve liveability.
“Green infrastructure is not just about sustainability; it’s about creating healthier,
more connected and liveable communities,” he said.
“By investing in a Green Grid, we can leave a legacy of vibrant, walkable precincts that
benefit Brisbane for generations to come.”
It calls for the establishment of a 2032 Design Co-ordination Unit within the Office of the Queensland Government Architect.
The construction of an Olympic stadium at Victoria Park and National Aquatic Centre next to Gregory Terrace could require an improved green overpass above the Inner City Bypass.
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Originally published as Architects reveal ‘Green Grid’ plan to connect Brisbane 2032 venues
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