As we move one year closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, the Queensland and Federal Governments have announced the principal architects for the new Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park and revealed their preliminary designs.
Two Australian-founded, internationally renowned firms – COX and Hassell – will partner with Japan’s Azusa Sekkei to deliver an iconic stadium that reflects Queensland’s character and lifestyle.
“We believe the stadium must be truly of its place, reflecting not only the identity of Brisbane but also the broader region. It should foster the connection between where we live, the surrounding landscape, and nature itself. With its rolling green hills and sweeping views, Victoria Park is a stunning setting for this stadium” says COX Architecture Director and Chair Richard Coulson
“The importance of long views, capturing cooling breezes, and the essential provision of shade, all embody the relaxed way of life that Queenslanders cherish – qualities that are integral to our culture.”
The team brings a proven track record, having designed Perth’s Optus Stadium, the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, and were part of the consortia that delivered the 2006 redevelopment of the MCG’s Northern Stand.
Azusa Sekkei has delivered 120 stadiums worldwide, including the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei team were awarded the contract after a three-month procurement process by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) that began with an open market call for Expressions of Interest in September this year.
The team is supported by two of the world’s leading engineering firms Arup and sbp who bring significant experience to the design of the stadium’s roof, which is similar to that of the Tokyo 2020 main stadium.
The concept is described as a “Queensland Response” for the new venue that embeds the main stadium for 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games into Victoria Park’s topography.
“The Games are well and truly on the way as Brisbane’s future stadium readies to take shape. Inspired by the iconic Queenslander, this stadium will be a worthy home for the world’s best athletes, talented performers and excited spectators during the Games” says Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“The new Brisbane Stadium promises to become a landmark venue for the city as its home of global sporting events and international concerts, as well as home ground for local sports stars the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat for years to come.
“GIICA will now commence early design work, alongside project validation work, to ensure the new stadium can be delivered on time and on budget, ready for 2032.”
The new stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics at the 2032 Games, before becoming the city’s main stadium in legacy mode with 63,000 seats.
Victoria Park was to initially host the cross country phase of the eventing at Brisbane 2032 before plans for the new Main Stadium; at that point the decision was taken to move all equestrian sports to Toowoomba Showgrounds, one of the 17 new and upgraded venues across the state in the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government.
