Urban renewal of Woolloongabba precinct forging ahead

Queensland’s largest urban renewal since South Bank is moving forward with the completion of the Gabba Stadium Project Validation Report (PVR) along with the beginning of community consultation for the urban renewal and the announcement of a possible new name. 

The community is now being asked what they think of “East Bank” as the new name for the broader Woolloongabba urban renewal precinct. 

In addition, procurement for the Gabba Stadium rebuild is also commencing with industry briefings to get underway in December 2023. 

“The Gabba’s 128-year history makes it iconic for Queensland, this redevelopment will ensure a lasting legacy to be enjoyed for another 128 years and beyond. 

“This isn’t just about a stadium upgrade. This is about anchoring an urban renewal project that will see Woolloongabba transformed like South Bank was transformed for Expo 88,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said. 

The vision for the urban renewal of the Woolloongabba precinct is to create a vibrant place for both event and non-event days that is better connected, sustainable and supports more open space to provide a lasting legacy for residents. 

The precinct’s renewal will deliver a great mix of uses – from commercial to retail opportunities to hotel and residential options, including up to 20 per cent social and affordable housing. 

To support this vision, the Gabba Stadium is going to be rebuilt to provide optimal fan experience as well as to achieve international best practice. 

The PVR that was released highlights how the Gabba Stadium is going to be fully deconstructed and rebuilt to support the State’s long-term sport, community and entertainment needs now and into the future, surpassing Brisbane 2032. 

Prior to the successful bid for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Stadium Taskforce Report found that The Gabba is a ‘tired’ venue that is expected to come to the end of its useful life by 2030 and the report indicated rebuilding The Gabba should be considered regardless of the Games. 

The selected option (out of four) in the PVR for the Gabba Stadium rebuild provides the best value for money and it also hits all four key pillars including being a catalyst for sustainable urban renewal, investment and ability to attract and host world-class events. 

Reference design for the Gabba Stadium rebuild (source: Queensland Government)

The urban renewal is going to be carried out within the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA), encompassing the rebuilt Gabba Stadium, Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro connecting to South Bank, the Brisbane CBD and new Brisbane Arena at Roma Street via a walkable spine as well as an active travel corridor to South Bank along with Brisbane City Council’s new green bridge. 

“The Woolloongabba redevelopment, along woth Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro, will anchor a major redevelopment of Woolloongabba to maximise the benefit of public investment and deliver more housing including social and affordable housing, more jobs, and better connectivity. 

“We could see another 880 or more apartments delivered in the precinct along, as well as retail and dining. 

“Plus, with at least 50 per cent of the precinct set to be open space and a Walkable Spine from the Gabba to Roma Street via South Bank, there will be more for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Miles said. 

A Development Scheme for the new Woolloongabba PDA is now being prepared and this will establish the long-term planning rules for the entire precinct. 

The community is invited to have their say regarding the Woolloongabba PDA renewal and provide feedback on the new name including alternatives through Economic Development Queensland’s community consultation page. 

The design process for the Gabba Stadium rebuild will begin in 2024, with its deconstruction to commence in 2025. The new stadium is due to open and be ready for use in 2030, well ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“We’re going for the best bang-for-buck and giving Queenslanders a new, modern stadium with all the finishes, because it is the best value for money, and it will deliver much more than a stadium. 

“Having a modern, safe, accessible, and globally recognised stadium will help draw more national and international events, and we know one concert can produce up to $5 million in visitor spending in our economy. 

“The upgrade will create an estimated 2,300 jobs during the peak of construction in 2028, the economic impact will flow throughout the state,” Mr Miles said. 

The proposed new Gabba Stadium will include: 

• Better viewing through an enhanced design to provide a 360-degree fan experience 
• Larger entries and concourses for better admission 
• Better connectivity and accessibility throughout, including lifts and escalators 
• Two pedestrian bridges across Main Street to form the ‘station to stadium’ connection between the stadium and the Cross River Rail station, as well as a pedestrian bridge over Stanley Street 
• Improved, appropriate and accessible athlete, team and official changerooms 
• Team facilities with direct access to pitches and practice wickets 
• 50,000 seats (potential for greater than 50,000 seats in legacy mode depending on the sport and between 50,000 and more than 70,000 pax for concerts, depending on placement of stage and standing or seated, among other factors) 
• Cutting edge technology and lighting 
• An internal service ring road to improve movement during events 
• Improved administration, operations and event day facilities that will boost efficiency 
• A range of new premium products including dining options, members spaces, and food and beverage outlets 
• Retail offerings inside including merchandise stores, and retail opportunities on the streets outside the stadium 
• International media facilities 
• Sustainability aspects like targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, sustainable energy and water consumption within the stadium 
• Seamless connection to the broader precinct, currently being master planned to create a new mixed-use precinct with increased greenspace, retail and dining 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning; The Guardian; 7 News