InfrastructureLindsay SaundersMon 03 Aug 26
Victoria Park Masterplan for Brisbane Games Legacy Goes Public
A pair of pedestrian bridges, expanded wetlands and a new civic heart for Brisbane’s Olympic precinct form the centrepiece of a draft masterplan released for the Victoria Park precinct as public consultation begins.
The draft Victoria Park Precinct Legacy Plan revealed on Sunday sets out how the 64ha precinct will evolve beyond the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, integrating the planned 63,000-seat Brisbane Stadium, National Aquatic Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds and surrounding parklands into a year-round destination for sport, entertainment and recreation.
Prepared by Arup, the masterplan proposes two pedestrian bridges spanning the Inner City Bypass, expanded York’s Hollow wetlands, a public amphitheatre, forest trails, new event lawns, a community sports hub with an athletics track and improved walking and cycling connections linking surrounding precincts and public transport.
The precinct is at the centre of Queensland’s Brisbane 2032 venue program, with the stadium expected to host the Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies and athletics, while the adjacent National Aquatic Centre will stage swimming and other aquatic events.
The draft plan also seeks to establish the precinct as a long-term urban destination after the Games, with the government proposing new public spaces capable of hosting community events alongside major sporting fixtures.
Around two-thirds of Victoria Park would remain green public space, with the park continuing to operate as a free public destination outside major events.
Public consultation on the draft plan continues until September 27 before a final masterplan is prepared.
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The release of the concept has also drawn criticism from community groups and opposition figures, who argue key details including project costs, delivery timeframes, transport capacity and construction impacts remain unresolved.
Traditional Owners and park advocates have also continued to raise concerns about the redevelopment’s impact on the culturally significant Barrambin landscape.
Premier David Crisafulli said the precinct was intended to become Brisbane’s enduring legacy from the 2032 Games, comparing its long-term significance to South Bank after Expo 88.
Arup project director Penny Hall said the masterplan had been developed to maximise the long-term value of the precinct through improved connectivity, public open space and recreation opportunities, with community feedback helping shape the final design.
