Construction of Brisbane’s new $1.4 billion indoor entertainment arena will begin early next year following the selection of a private sector consortium to deliver the project.
The Gather Brisbane consortium, comprising Plenary, Live Nation, Oak View Group and Webuild, has been selected to develop the Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct at Woolloongabba.
The project will include a 17,000-seat indoor arena, with capacity for up to 18,700 people for concerts.
The project also includes around 4000 new homes on the site of the existing Gabba Stadium after the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Queensland Government will contribute $600 million towards the arena, with the payment to be made after the venue opens in 2031.
The Government says its contribution will be offset through the staged release of land at the existing Gabba Stadium site for residential development.
Under the agreement, Gather Brisbane will design, build, finance, maintain and operate the new arena, with the State retaining ownership of the arena land until at least 2071.
The consortium will also be responsible for maintenance and future refurbishments throughout the life of the arena.
The venue will be built near the new Woolloongabba Cross River Rail station, providing direct public transport access to major concerts, entertainment and sporting events.
It is scheduled for completion by April 2031, ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and will replace the aging Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall.
Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the selection of the consortium was a major milestone for the project.
“The stage is now set for something special at Woolloongabba. This will be transformational for the area and generational for millions of people who’ll come to live, visit and enjoy this new precinct,” Mr Bleijie said.
Almost 4000 new homes planned
The broader development will see the existing Gabba Stadium decommissioned after the 2032 Games, allowing the land to be redeveloped for housing, retail, hospitality and public spaces.
The residential component will include build-to-sell and build-to-rent homes, co-living accommodation and purpose-built student housing.
According to the Government’s project timetable, development of the former stadium site will begin after 2032, with the first homes targeted for delivery in 2037.
The precinct will also include dining and entertainment venues, public plazas, green spaces and improved pedestrian access.
A new pedestrian bridge over the existing busway and an expanded public plaza will improve connections with Stanley Street and Woolloongabba busway station.
East Brisbane State School will remain in its current location.
Live Nation Australia and New Zealand Venue Development Senior Vice President Guy Ngata said the arena would help attract major touring artists and sporting events.
“Brisbane is a city with a deep love of live music and major events,” he said.
“This arena will attract more touring artists to Brisbane, give Queensland talent a bigger stage and bring fans closer to the moments they love.
“It’s a long-term investment in Brisbane that will create jobs, bring more visitors to the city and support local businesses for decades to come.”
Queensland music duo The Veronicas also welcomed the project.
“Having played to home crowds in Brisbane throughout our careers, we know how much live music means to this city,” they said in a statement.
“This arena will give the next generation of Queensland artists a bigger stage to aspire to and give local fans more chances to see the artists they love.”
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