Ekka visitors can imagine the look of the Brisbane Showgrounds circa 2032, with an artist’s impression released of the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Athletes Village and upgraded Main Arena.
With close to 500,000 expected to attend the nine-day Royal Queensland Show, currently underway, many Queenslanders can position themselves in the future surrounds this week.
Premier David Crisafulli said work on transforming the Brisbane Showgrounds would begin within weeks of this year’s Ekka closing its doors on Sunday.
Premier Crisafulli said the Bowen Hills showgrounds would be the site of the Brisbane Athletes Village, which would be the Games’ largest, accommodating more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the Olympic Games and over 5000 during the Paralympic Games.
He said as well as housing the Brisbane Athletes Village, the area would boast an upgraded 20,000-seat Main Arena which would facilitate the growth of the precinct’s key entertainment and events capability and “give the iconic Brisbane Ekka an even brighter future”.
“The early works will fire the starter’s gun on the Brisbane Showgrounds’ transformation for 2032 and beyond.
“Brisbane will be centre stage for the Games, and this investment to rebuild the Main Arena will deliver a new life to the Ekka which will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the early works were important first steps in the Brisbane Showgrounds’ transformation.
“Following this year’s Ekka, the heritage-listed John MacDonald and Ernest Baynes grandstands will be restored and upgraded to provide much improved accessibility,” Mr Christou said.
“Design works will also begin for the 20,000-seat Main Arena upgrade.
“We’re excited to share artist’s impressions of what that could look like, and the legacy the Games will leave for Queenslanders.”
