A recently released image of the planned redevelopment reveals that the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan will become the smallest Olympic stadium since Amsterdam 1928, with just 40,000 seats planned for the Brisbane 2032 Games.
The image, designed by architecture firm Populous, shows a permanent covered grandstand, with most spectators seated in uncovered temporary seating. This design significantly departs from recent Olympic venues, as most athletics fans will be exposed to the elements.
Smallest Capacity
With only 40,000 seats, the QSAC in Nathan will have the smallest capacity for an Olympic athletics stadium in nearly a century. This limited capacity is expected to restrict admission for the general public severely.
For comparison, the Stade de France in Paris will seat approximately 80,000 people for this year’s Games, while the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host 77,500 people during the 2028 Olympics athletics events.
At the current estimate, each seat at QSAC would cost approximately $115,000. This is significantly higher than other recent stadium projects, such as Perth’s Optus Stadium, which cost about $26,650 per seat when completed in 2017.
Officials caution that the current design is not final. A representative from the Department of State Development and Infrastructure emphasised that the image is for discussion purposes only. They explained that the ongoing project validation process involves input from various government and external stakeholders, often using visual aids to facilitate these consultations.
The project validation report for QSAC is currently underway, with technical analysis and costings expected to be completed by the end of 2024. A spokesperson for the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority stated that the report would be considered by the authority’s board and the government in the first quarter of 2025.
As the project progresses, more detailed renders will be developed with input from various stakeholders, including Stadiums Queensland, technical advisors, and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
Cost and Design Concerns
The Queensland government estimates the QSAC redevelopment will cost about $1.6 billion. However, this figure does not include the temporary seating, which will be funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace stated that questions have been raised about the need for a flat, concrete podium to underpin QSAC, accounting for $1 billion of the estimated cost. The remaining $600 million would replace the current western grandstand.
Grace insisted that Queensland taxpayers would not bear any additional costs. However, Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie expressed skepticism, suggesting the final cost could be higher based on the government’s track record with other projects.
The Committee for Brisbane’s chief executive, Jen Williams, expressed concern that public discussion is now focused on costs rather than the long-term benefits of new infrastructure. Williams noted that images of iconic French landmarks used for the Paris Games are prompting Queenslanders to consider how their city will be viewed globally.
Future Plans and Ongoing Debate
After the Games, the QSAC in Nathan will be downsized to 14,000 permanent seats. The State Government chose this option after abandoning a $2.7 billion Gabba rebuild and rejecting a proposal for a new $3.4 billion stadium at Victoria Park.
Premier Steven Miles defended the decision, stating that Queenslanders did not support spending large amounts on a new stadium.
“To be frank, no one tried harder than I did to convince people that the Gabba was a good idea,” Miles said. “But it was clear to me, from talking to Queenslanders, that they did not think that was a good use of money.”
Local community groups remain vehemently opposed to the previously proposed Victoria Park stadium, which would have occupied part of the expansive inner-city green space. However, the QSAC option presents its own challenges, including limited public transport access.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has estimated that at least an additional $400 million would be required to provide adequate public transport to the venue, a 3.1-kilometre walk from the nearest train station.
Published 26-July-2024
