News Gabba Upgrade & Olympics News

[Perrip]

Populous, Herzog & de Meuron + Architectus, GMP (Gerkan, Marg & Partners) + Blight Rayner Architecture, and Warren and Mahoney are reportedly the four bids in contention for the principal architect partner position who will design the stadium according to the Courier Mail.
Four firms shortlisted for Victoria Park’s Brisbane 2032 stadium design - Des Houghton

The Queensland firm that designed the 2012 London Olympic stadium is one of four teams shortlisted for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic stadium at Victoria Park.
Populous is considered a frontrunner by Brisbane architects because it has also recently completed the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Kai Tak has a 50,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof, a separate 10,000-seat indoor arena, a school, a gallery, a hotel and community sports and recreational zones.
Kai Tak was inspected recently by Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie and Minister for Finance and Trade, Ros Bates, prompting speculation in the halls of power that the mega-park may offer a glimpse of what to expect at Victoria Park.
The new Tottenham Hotspur stadium in North London, has a seating capacity of 62,850, the same number the IOC requires for Brisbane.
Populous has other runs on the board. It designed the 69,500 seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, in partnership with Moroccan firm Orange Atelier.
But Populous is no certainty to win the $3.8bn project.
Herzog & de Meuron, an international architectural firm based Switzerland, has teamed with Queensland firm Architectus, led by Dr Stephen Long, for a Brisbane entry. Herzog & de Meuron designed the Bird’s Nest stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and won acclaim recently for designing the 70,000-seat Allianz Arena in Munich with a fluoropolymer plastic skin known as Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or ETFE, that changes colour.
Sports Minister Tim Mander said yesterday Queenslanders would be amazed when the winning scheme was unveiled. “Victoria Park is such a great site. It will be fantastic. I am confident that Queenslanders will see the stadium design and say, wow!
“When this stadium is constructed, Queenslanders will be very proud.’’
Little is known about the plans because the designs are still under wraps by the Brisbane Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) until the winner is announced early next year.
And like an Olympic sprint final the winner could come from an outside lane.
German firm Gerkan, Marg & Partners (GMP) has stunned the architectural community in recent years with a set of 20 “robust yet poetic” stadiums in China, Brazil, and South Africa. It has teamed with Brisbane’s Blight Rayner Architecture.
A New Zealand firm Warren and Mahoney is also in the mix.
The Brisbane Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics in 2032.
Mr Bleijie is looking past the Olympics.
“The Brisbane Stadium will deliver a new home for cricket, the Brisbane Lions and concerts, with world-class infrastructure and global event potential.”
Mac Stirling, the Brisbane architect who designed Lang Park with PDT Architects and HOK Sport said new building technologies have taken stadium construction to another level.
“It is time for Brisbane to be proud, to be excited by the amazing palette of 2032 Olympic Stadium venues which will soon be presented to us.
“The evolution of new technologies over the last decade or so have meant that the international stadiums of today, and for the future, are interactive and incredibly exciting entertainment hubs.
“Fully integrated digital technology enables patrons to connect from their seat directly to other Olympic venues i.e sitting watching the athletics in the new Olympic Stadium and live streaming, in real time, the Olympic swimming finals!
“The new stadiums are integrated in both light and sound, placing the spectators in an envelope of excitement, which includes the event of course.
“More than this, the global stadiums of today from London, Germany and the USA, are fully integrated community hubs. It is not just about sport but about lifestyle, passive recreation, new age urban design, education and environmental interaction.
“The fact that Brisbane has three key stadiums ideally positioned close to each other and fully integrating with the public transport networks of heavy rail, light rail, bus, car and bike, will result in a seamless integration between venues. The mix of the RNA upgrade with the Olympic Village, the new Olympic Stadium and National Aquatic Centre provides a fantastic community opportunity which no other capital city can emulate.”

 

[dlanod]

That's actually a pretty impressive set of CVs.

Unfortunately I suspect the government will cut corners and not get something as iconic as the Birds Nest or Allianz, or as clever as the Tottenham stadium.

 

[mighty_lions]

Cant wait to see the design, would be rather ironic if LNP get rolled and Miles is the one opening the stadium

 

[Section 5]

Cant wait to see the design, would be rather ironic if LNP get rolled and Miles is the one opening the stadium

If Labor were smart (not saying they are) Miles should be replaced if they want a chance to be reelected.

 

[Perrip]

Cant wait to see the design, would be rather ironic if LNP get rolled and Miles is the one opening the stadium

Happened with Optus in Perth, the Labor opposition was opposed to it but happily opened it in early 2018 when they were in government.

 

[Section 5]

Populous







Herzog & de Meuron
Completed 2005

Gerkan, Marg & Partners (GMP)​

Projects - gmp Architekten

www.gmp.de

EDIT: I think they are doing the remodeling of the original disaster. Costs US$530million. Finish date 2027

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center New Football Stadium opened in Jiangsu Province - Press - gmp Architekten

[figure 3922_Kunshan_Stadium_02]With the opening match of the Chinese FA Super Cup, the new Football Stadium in Kunshan was officially inaugurated on February 7. More than 30,000 fans gathered for the local derby between Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai

www.gmp.de

Added below 28/12/25

https://www.herzogdemeuron.com/topics/sport/

Warren and Mahoney

The only stadium build i could find. It is a recent build with the grass only laid last week. In association with Populous.

 

[Billy ray]

Sneak peak

 

[briztoon]

Is anyone else questioning the costs here? As in they appear very “low”.

I know it’s on a different scale, but Vietnam has just committed to building a US$38b Olympic grade stadium and sports complex.

I have “questions” on both projects, for the same, though opposite reasons.

 

[mighty_lions]

Sneak peak



View attachment 2502289

looks good to me

 

[mighty_lions]

Is anyone else questioning the costs here? As in they appear very “low”.

I know it’s on a different scale, but Vietnam has just committed to building a US$38b Olympic grade stadium and sports complex.

I have “questions” on both projects, for the same, though opposite reasons.

thats for an entire urban area, and ill believe the stadium when I see it

All the other infrastructure costs aren't apart of the olympic budget anyway

 

[Section 5]

Is anyone else questioning the costs here? As in they appear very “low”.

I know it’s on a different scale, but Vietnam has just committed to building a US$38b Olympic grade stadium and sports complex.

I have “questions” on both projects, for the same, though opposite reasons.

I suppose we won't know till a bit further down the track.
The reported AU$3.8b is for the VP area (not the swimming venue part) should be fine initially anyhow. The tender will have to be under that figure.

Below video on stadiums due for competition 2026/27.
Some interesting builds and also ones that have been delayed for some time
Basic information below, but just on the United States stadiums as they are a bit closer to Australia's labor costs.

Stadium Name	Capacity	Costs US$	Convert to AU$	Completion Date
Miami Freedom Park Miami	25,000	$850m Stadium Wide area $1b	$1.265b $1.490b	2026
New Nissan Stadium Nashville	60,000	$2.2b (enclosed roof)	$3.723b	2027
Ryan Field Evanston	35,000	$862m	$1.284b	2026
New Highmark Stadium Buffalo	62,000	$2.1b (Populous)	$3.127b	2026
Etihad Park New York City	25,000	$780m	$1.162b	2027

 

[Section 5]

A few station updates for those interested.

 

[Perrip]

A few station updates for those interested.

Sounds like Roma Street is close to completion. There has been a rumour that it could open to the public late next year, which would make it the second inner-city CRR station opening after Exhibition.

 

[Section 5]

Sounds like Roma Street is close to completion. There has been a rumour that it could open to the public late next year, which would make it the second inner-city CRR station opening after Exhibition.

This is what AI gave me so not necessarily all correct

Key Handover Stages & Focus Areas:

1. Subway & Bus Platform Upgrades (Completed Mid-2024): Major works finished, with final lighting/finishing touches until late 2024 to align with new designs.
2. Station Interface (Late 2025): Tying the new underground station into the existing station and busways, including platform B6/B4 mezzanine handover.
3. New Station Elements (Late 2025/Early 2026):
   • Scaffolding removed, revealing glazed façade.
   • Fit-out of lifts, panelling, ceilings, tiling.
   • Completion of platform structures (canopies, etc.).
4. Surrounding Precinct Works (Ongoing into 2026): Upgrades to utilities, footpaths, roads, cycle connections, and landscaping.
5. Testing & Commissioning (Late 2025/2026): System checks for ventilation, controls, and electrical systems.
6. Full Project Completion (Early 2026): The new line expected to be operational.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

This is what AI gave me so not necessarily all correct

Key Handover Stages & Focus Areas:

1. Subway & Bus Platform Upgrades (Completed Mid-2024): Major works finished, with final lighting/finishing touches until late 2024 to align with new designs.
2. Station Interface (Late 2025): Tying the new underground station into the existing station and busways, including platform B6/B4 mezzanine handover.
3. New Station Elements (Late 2025/Early 2026):
   • Scaffolding removed, revealing glazed façade.
   • Fit-out of lifts, panelling, ceilings, tiling.
   • Completion of platform structures (canopies, etc.).
4. Surrounding Precinct Works (Ongoing into 2026): Upgrades to utilities, footpaths, roads, cycle connections, and landscaping.
5. Testing & Commissioning (Late 2025/2026): System checks for ventilation, controls, and electrical systems.
6. Full Project Completion (Early 2026): The new line expected to be operational.

It will take longer to actually start taking trains because it relies on a new signalling technology (ETCS) that they were supposed to have tested on the Shorncliffe railway line by now, but that hasn't been completed yet. But I think the government claim that it will only open in 2029 is completely bogus, just trying to set expectations low while blaming the previous government for delays. It will surely open before the next state election because they'll want to use it as a selling point for their campaign.

 

[Section 5]

It will take longer to actually start taking trains because it relies on a new signalling technology (ETCS) that they were supposed to have tested on the Shorncliffe railway line by now, but that hasn't been completed yet. But I think the government claim that it will only open in 2029 is completely bogus, just trying to buy themselves time while blaming the previous government for delays.

I did read somewhere the testing once all new stations are ready will be 12 months.
As long as 2029 is the absolute latest date.
It makes sense to test a line whenever they can before the whole thing is ready to be tested

Below from CRR, not sure when that "over the next decade" actually started

Why was the Shorncliffe line selected for signalling system testing and training?​

The Shorncliffe line was selected to pilot the system due to lower customer numbers compared to other parts of the rail network and because it sits outside the mainline and freight corridor.

Testing and training of ETCS on the Shorncliffe line to confirm the system meets safety regulations and operational requirements is critical before it is gradually rolled out to key parts of the South East Queensland rail network over the next decade.

 

[Perrip]

It will take longer to actually start taking trains because it relies on a new signalling technology (ETCS) that they were supposed to have tested on the Shorncliffe railway line by now, but that hasn't been completed yet. But I think the government claim that it will only open in 2029 is completely bogus, just trying to set expectations low while blaming the previous government for delays. It will surely open before the next state election because they'll want to use it as a selling point for their campaign.

Yeah, I expected the CRR part of Roma Street to remain closed until the rest of CRR opens in the coming years. But I assume everything else in Roma Street will open given it's an active train station - similar to Exhibition periodically.

Definitely expect CRR to open way before 2029 too, as you suggested.

Regulator won’t wear blame for Cross River Rail delay - Cameron Atfield
Better Transport Queensland president Rowan Gray, who succeeded Robert Dow in the organisation previously known as Rail Back on Track, said explanations for the delays did not stack up to critical analysis.
“The final station handover was scheduled to take place mid-next year, and that’s going to be Albert Street, which is the furthest behind,” he said.
“Of course, Albert Street doesn’t need to be completely finished for you to start testing a lot of the systems in the tunnel, so the first testing train should start running through the whole length of the tunnel within the first half of next year.”
Even allowing for two years of testing – a timeframe he disputed based on recent examples in Sydney and Melbourne – Gray said Cross River Rail should be on track for a 2028 opening at the latest.
“We think it’s more of a political ploy and they’re going to, in a year’s to a year-and-a-half’s time, say ‘oh, because of our better management, it’s going to open early’,” he said.

 

[GenericUsername202]

Cant wait to see the design, would be rather ironic if LNP get rolled and Miles is the one opening the stadium

Miles is an idiot. Let's not talk of the possibility of him returning to office again. The only good thing he did was the 50c fares, and that was because he was so far behind in the polls that he was desperate enough to do that. Plus, he's an NRL nuffie who would do anything to tug vlandys off.

 

[mighty_lions]

Miles is an idiot. Let's not talk of the possibility of him returning to office again. The only good thing he did was the 50c fares, and that was because he was so far behind in the polls that he was desperate enough to do that. Plus, he's an NRL nuffie who would do anything to tug vlandys off.

He would of chose Victoria park in the end, he was kicking it down the road just like crisafulli

 

[qlderlions]

He would of chose Victoria park in the end, he was kicking it down the road just like crisafulli

Not according to several backbenchers from Labour - several were campaigning behind the scenes for him to shift to VP but QSAC was his captains pick. He has a long association with NRL and Peter Beattie as a mentor (who is now on the NRL Board).

 

[Section 5]

65 new trains to be built here as part of CRR budget. Should be finished by Olympics

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/queensland-train-manufacturing-program-fleet

Below the rail facility in Ormeau will operate 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, to support the maintenance and stabling of 65 new six-car Queensland Train Manufacturing Program trains.

 

[Perrip]

Why was the Shorncliffe line selected for signalling system testing and training?​

The Shorncliffe line was selected to pilot the system due to lower customer numbers compared to other parts of the rail network and because it sits outside the mainline and freight corridor.

Testing and training of ETCS on the Shorncliffe line to confirm the system meets safety regulations and operational requirements is critical before it is gradually rolled out to key parts of the South East Queensland rail network over the next decade.

"Over the next decade" here is in reference to other rail infrastructure projects being planned and constructed on the network, ETCS will be added to the train tracks while these projects are completed. Shorncliffe is first for testing and then Cross River Rail will be the second major piece of rail to have it installed and running. In stages, it'll slowly be added to the Sunshine Coast, Redcliffe, Beenleigh, and Gold Coast lines through projects including The Wave, CRR, Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, and the Ormeau rail facility, among others.
European Train Control System Program

 

[Section 5]

A recent Save Victoria Park Facebook image. Headline 60% Stadium v 60% trees

Unless i can't read their map correctly they have the stadium next to and on the same side as the rail line with the ICB the other side




Below from Google Maps

 

[Perrip]

A recent Save Victoria Park Facebook image. Headline 60% Stadium v 60% trees

Unless i can't read their map correctly they have the stadium next to and on the same side as the rail line with the ICB the other side

View attachment 2503371

The above is a picture of Optus during construction. This is what Optus looks like now:

The 66% figure of Vic Park being "destroyed" by the aquatics centre and stadium comes from their own research. Where they have guessed the stadium will be located somewhere next to the ICB and rail line

Time for Plan B report

 

[dlanod]

Can we just ignore SVP? They're going to be churning out BS and FUD for the foreseeable future, we can pretty much guarantee it's all going to be irrelevant and ignored, so I'm not sure we need blow by blow updates on what line they're pushing now.

The updates on the ground testing, etc, was cool though. Looking forward to updates when they break ground too.