The Gabba Olympic Park: A Legacy in the Making for Brisbane 2032

Architectural render of the Gabba Olympic Park project presented by HAL Architects
Architectural rendering of the proposed Gabba Olympic Park designs by HAL Architects.

HAL Architects are excited to introduce a groundbreaking vision for Brisbane's 2032 Olympic Games—a unified Gabba Olympic Park that ingeniously combines Brisbane Arena with the Gabba stadium. Our proposal envisions a cohesive venue that brings swimming and athletics events into a singular, dynamic locale for athletes and fans alike.

Our innovative plan proposes the construction of a new 55,000-seat Gabba stadium alongside a 17,000-seat Aquatic and Entertainment arena, strategically positioned above the Woolloongabba Cross River Rail station. This setup promises a seamless connection through a new footbridge across the SouthEast freeway, directly linking the precinct with Southbank and the CBD.

Elizabeth Anderson, our lead architect, highlights our vision for a lasting entertainment and sporting precinct. With a blend of federal funding, we're seizing a rare chance to provide Queensland with an extraordinary facility at exceptional value. This aligns perfectly with governmental goals to streamline Brisbane's infrastructure without the need for additional stadiums.

Our proposal is not just a plan for an Olympic venue but a legacy project that positions Woolloongabba as the heart of Brisbane's sports and entertainment scene. Our approach minimises environmental impact, preserves local heritage, and ensures Woolloongabba's prominence on the global stage, setting a new standard for future projects.

Viewing the relocation of AFL and Cricket to the RNA showgrounds as a strategic move, we ensure the uninterrupted progress of constructing Gabba Olympic Park. This temporary adjustment paves the way for the eventual return of these sports to a state-of-the-art stadium, promising longevity and world-class facilities.

Pedestrian bridge over Main St.

Reflecting on global benchmarks, we draw inspiration from revered venues like Lords in England, emphasizing the importance of preserving the historic essence of the Gabba. Our proposal advocates for an enhancement rather than a replacement, upholding the legacy of one of Brisbane's iconic sports grounds.

Central to our design is a sophisticated transport infrastructure that bolsters Gabba Olympic Park. By integrating a new train station, a metro station, and bus interchanges, we lay the groundwork for efficient, cost-effective operations during the Olympic festivities and beyond.

This project isn't just about constructing venues; it's about envisioning a sustainable, vibrant future for Brisbane. Our commitment to this vision is evident in every aspect of the Gabba Olympic Park proposal, from the preservation of heritage sites to the creation of green spaces and convenient transport links.

Key Features of The Gabba Olympic Park:

  • 55,000-seat iconic Olympic Ceremony stadium to replace the current Gabba Stadium (to be demolished and rebuilt)
  • New world-class Arena, featuring a 17,000-seat Entertainment Centre and Aquatic Park above the Cross River Rail station, metro, and bus interchange
  • Innovative green elevated Olympic Plaza, open-air auditorium, and parkland
  • Preservation of heritage-listed East Brisbane State School and former police station
  • Creation of an iconic Olympic green footbridge linking directly to the Brisbane River, Southbank Riverwalk and CBD via the Goodwill bridge
  • Inclusion of a warm-up track at Raymond Park
  • Minimal disruption to surrounding road networks and transport hubs

ABOUT

Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects is a prominent architecture firm based in Brisbane, known for its innovative designs and sustainable approach to projects. With a focus on creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces, the firm has garnered recognition for its contributions to the built environment in Queensland and beyond.

Creative Threshold is recognised as a leading render specialist in Brisbane, guided by Simon Finger, a seasoned digital artist specialising in 3D visualisations. With over 25 years of experience, Simon collaborates with architects, designers, developers, and marketing agencies, working diligently to transform their ideas into captivating visual experiences.

Article & Website by KILR Studios

Our Team.

Elizabeth Anderson
Director
FRAIA / B.Arch 1st Class Hons / B.Blt.Env.Arch / Reg.Arch.Qld NSW Tas / Dev.Tribunal Referee
Adam Lockhart
Director
BBE(URP) (MPIA) Town Planner
Gerard Lynch
Director
FRAIA / B.Arch 1st Class Hons / B.Blt.Env.Arch / Reg.Arch.Qld NSW Tas / Dev.Tribunal Referee
Barry Gwynne

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If you would like to see how we can bring life to your project then we would love to start a conversation with you today.

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