Beijing had the Bird’s Nest and Los Angeles had the Coliseum – now the world has its first sneak peek at the future home of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Artist impressions of the stadium that will eventually host the world’s best athletes, along with the opening and closing ceremonies beamed to billions of viewers, were unveiled in Brisbane on Monday.
Earmarked for Victoria Park in the heart of the city, the concept shows a 63,000-seat stadium designed by Australian architecture firms COX and Hassell.
The man behind the design, COX architecture director and chair Richard Coulson, said the stadium would represent Queensland.
‘The Queensland character is defined more by humility than bravado, a quality reflected in the architecture of the traditional Queenslander,’ Mr Coulson said.
‘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.’
Pictured: The artists impressions of the stadium that will host the opening and closing ceremonies when the Olympics come to Queensland in six years
The new ground will be constructed in Brisbane’s Victoria Park (pictured)
Co-designer Lucy O’Driscoll, of Hassell, hopes all Australians will be proud of the stadium design.
‘It’s kind of an architect’s passion project to work on something where Queenslanders and Australians are going to gather, and something that’s really going to put us on the world stage, something we’ve been dreaming of for probably our entire career,’ she said.
The consortium behind the design for the $3.8 billion stadium includes Australian-founded firms COX and Hassell, in partnership with Japan’s Azusa Sekkei.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the state government was excited with site preparations expected to begin mid-year.
‘The Crisafulli government is working to restore confidence and momentum, ensuring the 2032 Games will be something every Queenslander can be proud of,’ he said.
The contract was awarded after expressions of interest were sought in September.
Japanese firm Azusa Sekkei specialises in ‘designing low-cost stadiums and arenas’ and has delivered 120 stadiums internationally.
In total there will be 17 new and upgraded venues across the state, but the first glimpse of the venue design sparked an angry community response.
The new stadium should become one of the standout attractions for Brisbane (pictured)
If all goes according to plan, Ipswich-born sprinter Gout Gout (pictured) will be one of the biggest drawcards for Aussie fans at the Games
The stadium must still overcome a final hurdle after legal applications for a permanent stay.
The application – made under Section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act – allows the Commonwealth to declare long-term protection of a significant Aboriginal area.
While the application is still under consideration by Environment Minister Murray Watt, Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King on Monday praised the ‘landmark venue’.
‘This stadium will be a worthy home for the world’s best athletes, talented performers and excited spectators during the Games,’ Ms King said.
‘The new Brisbane Stadium promises to become a landmark venue for the city.’
A community protest is planned for January 31 to rally against the development.
‘This latest tranche of greenwashed computer imagery is not real,’ said Save Victoria Park spokesperson Rosemary O’Hagan.
‘What’s real are the ancient trees, rolling hills and native wildlife the government intends to obliterate for what could become one of history’s most environmentally disastrous Olympic Games.’
