Victoria Park today: a once-in-a-generation opportunity
In March 2025, the Queensland Government announced Victoria Park would become the home of the new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre.
Excitement is building across Queensland as work accelerates on two major new venues in the Victoria Park precinct: Brisbane Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre.
The inclusion of these venues in Victoria Park is just the latest chapter in the ever-evolving history of the precinct which has served as a gathering place for Traditional Custodians, farmland, a quarry, dump, rifle range, affordable housing quarter and military base. Over a series of three articles, we will share snapshots of the park’s past, present and future to highlight its rich and fascinating history, busy present and exciting future.
As you’ll see, Victoria Park has always been a place where Queenslanders have gathered to celebrate, play sport and share stories. Learn more about the future of Victoria Park as a diverse location for sport, entertainment and community events via the Queensland Government’s Victoria Park Precinct Legacy Plan.
Three-part series:
Victoria Park today: a once-in-a-generation opportunity
In March 2025, the Queensland Government announced Victoria Park would become the home of the new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre.
This announcement was built on the extensive research undertaken by GIICA as part of the 100 Day Review that identified the park as the best location for a new stadium. The Sport Venue Report led by former Mayor Graham Quick in 2024 had also recommended a new Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park.
The key rationale for choosing Victoria Park included the opportunity it presented to create a world-class stadium for Brisbane that had the seating and concert capacity to host mega events and global acts. These major events are integral to improving the economic and social prosperity of Queensland, and current stadium capacity limitations have seen Brisbane miss out on touring artists in recent years.
The central location and proximity to existing transport infrastructure and entertainment precincts like King Street, Fortitude Valley and Kelvin Grove’s Urban Village was also key to the site’s recommendation. The Victoria Park location is within walking distance of existing busway and train stations, while the extensive parklands are perfect for dispersing crowds while also providing space for activations. Better connecting the park to walking and active travel to the city, Roma Street Parklands and the neighbouring precincts will be a key legacy of the development.
A Queensland design
Announced in January 2026, Principal Architects COX Architecture, Hassell, and Japan’s Azusa Sekkei — have revealed early design concepts for the stadium, drawing inspiration from Queenslander homes and embracing the state’s unique indoor/outdoor lifestyle and culture.
The design from this multi-award-winning team is focused on ‘building as much as we need, and as little as we can’ to balance green space with event-day activations.
Making the most of the landscape, the stadium will be nestled between two ridges near Gilchrist Avenue, in a natural ampitheatre that reduces earthwork requirements. The design is also open to capture the breeze, with verandah-inspired concourses providing opportunities for the crowd to connect and mingle before, during and after a game while enjoying the sweeping city views.
This unique design and the beauty of the surrounding parklands will create a truly Queensland experience for visitors to the Stadium.
Water and wind influence NAC design
As part of the six years to go celebrations ahead of the 2032 Games, GIICA appointed ARM Architecture and NH Architecture, in partnership with Queensland‑based Arkhefield, as Principal Architects for the new National Aquatic Centre.
The architect joint venture revealed stunning design concepts featuring a rippled roofline reflecting wind and water, an open central concourse, and a dynamic mix of community and high-performance spaces.
The current design includes three new covered competition pools, a gym, high-performance rooms and administration spaces, complementing the three existing outdoor pools within the heritage‑listed Centenary Pool complex.
Artist impression render of the National Aquatic Centre
Site investigations and initial works
Since October 2025, engineers, ecologists, geologists, historic and cultural heritage specialists and archaeologists have been onsite at Victoria Park conducting site investigations to inform the location and building program for both venues.
Phase one of this work involved drilling boreholes and undertaking non-intrusive surveys at 40 locations across the park, building a comprehensive picture of the site’s soil and rock conditions.
The investigations to date have not identified anything unexpected in relation to ground conditions. An archaeologist and Cultural Heritage representative were on site during the investigations to review any finds. Objects uncovered — including ceramics and bottle fragments and minor isolated artefacts — were consistent with the park’s known history and were not considered significant.
On 1 June 2026, GIICA took possession of the park and commenced initial works for the new Brisbane Stadium. The works include ground survey investigations, utility surveys, historical and cultural heritage surveying, minor demolition works, removal of redundant services, and the establishment of the site office.
The ground survey investigations – also called test pitting – involve digging small, temporary pits to better understand subsurface soil layers. GIICA is working with Traditional Custodian groups in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 to manage potential cultural heritage impacts.
A key aspect of the site investigations is identifying opportunities to retain and enhance as much green space as possible to create a more usable park space for everyone to enjoy. These investigations will ensure the venues are well-planned and responsive to the unique characteristics of Victoria Park.
GIICA undertaking archaeological salvage works at Victoria Park
Workers analysing soil samples during archaeological salvage works at Victoria Park
Bottles found during archaeological salvage works at Victoria Park
Early works
The initial works already underway are in preparation for Early Works to commence with Queensland family-owned construction giant, BMD from August 2026.
BMD’s early works program will include bulk earthworks as well as erosion and sediment controls, haul roads, semi-permanent fencing, stormwater drains, retaining walls and establishment of a logistics plaza. This phase sets the foundations for future works and supports a smooth transition into building the new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre.
EPBC referral
In March 2026, GIICA proactively submitted an EPBC referral to the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is Australia’s main national environmental law. It helps protect and manage important ecology such as plants, animals, habitats and places.
GIICA is committed to transparent, proactive environmental management. We know Victoria Park is precious to the community, so commissioned extensive, independent investigations of vegetation and habitat to identify nationally and internationally important ecology such as plants, animals, habitats and places.
An independent ecological assessment found Victoria Park does not contain any Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and on 6 May 2026, GIICA received a decision of ‘not a controlled action’, which means the project can proceed as planned.
Artist impression render of inside Brisbane Stadium
Early Contractor Involvement
GIICA is using an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) approach to select the Brisbane Stadium’s builders. This approach supports collaboration, innovation and value for money to ensure the venues can be delivered on time and within budget ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.
Two construction partners have been appointed to participate in the dual ECI process for the Brisbane Stadium, working closely with designers and GIICA to help shape the final design and construction methodology.
A similar approach will be used for the National Aquatic Centre.
If you want to know more about the phases of the construction program, take a look at our Roadmap to 2032.
Stay up-to-date
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This article is part of a three‑part series exploring the past, present and future of Victoria Park. You can also read:
