The iconic cricket stadium in Brisbane, known as the Gabba, is slated for a major overhaul in preparation for the 2032 Summer Olympics. Queensland's Deputy Premier, Steven Miles, confirmed on Friday that the stadium would undergo a comprehensive 2.7 billion Australian dollar (approximately 1.8 billion US dollars) redevelopment. This decision follows the government's approval of a project validation report.
The Gabba, which has served as Queensland's cricket hub for over a century, is set to see its seating capacity expanded to 50,000. A significant aspect of this redevelopment involves integrating the stadium with a new underground rail station, enhancing accessibility and connectivity. Additionally, a nearby primary school will be relocated to accommodate the expanded footprint of the stadium. During the construction phase, cricket teams and the Brisbane Lions, a prominent team in the Australian Football League, will be temporarily moved to alternative locations.
The reconstruction project is scheduled to begin after the Gabba hosts an Ashes cricket test against England in late 2025. The ambitious undertaking is expected to take four years, with completion targeted for 2030, well ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
“That project validation report assessed four possible options for the Gabba and identified that a demolition and rebuild provided the best possible outcome, the best value outcome for the city,” Miles said. "It will be a well connected stadium but most importantly, it will trigger the urban renewal that we want to see ... it will be one of the best parts of the city to live in," Miles said.
Brisbane's selection as the host city for the 2032 Olympic Games, confirmed in July 2021, was a unique instance, as it faced no rival bids. This makes Brisbane the third Australian city to host the Summer Games, following Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) lauded Brisbane's bid as being driven by passion and focused on athletes, fitting the ethos of a sports-loving nation. The 2032 Olympics will feature events across various locations in Queensland, including the Gold Coast, which successfully hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The Queensland state government is the primary supporter of the 2032 Games, with additional backing from local councils in Brisbane and neighboring cities, and financial contributions from the Australian federal government. The initial bid for Brisbane emphasized that 84% of the required stadiums and event venues were already in place, aligning with the IOC’s preference for minimizing excessive expenditure and avoiding the creation of underutilized facilities. The original plan for the Gabba was an upgrade, but the new developments have expanded this to a complete reconstruction, signaling a significant transformation for this historic venue in the lead-up to the 2032 Summer Olympics.
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