Major step forward for Barlow Park Stadium upgrade

The Barlow Park Stadium upgrade in Cairns is taking a major step forward with the appointment of a Principal Architect and the unveiling of the vision for the upgraded stadium.

This project is part of the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments’ commitment to delivering legacy benefits for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

Far North Queensland athletes and sports fans can look forward to a cool and shaded new-look Barlow Park Stadium, which is designed by an award-winning team that boasts outstanding local, national and international experience.

“The Australian Government’s investment in sporting and community infrastructure will deliver real, long-lasting benefits for Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

“By transforming Barlow Park Stadium into a world class sporting venue, Cairns will be able to attract more major sporting and entertainment events like the 2032 Games and show the world how beautiful this region really is,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

“The Games are back on track with works at Barlow Park Stadium to begin at the end of this year’s footy season, and it will be a fantastic community asset for Cairns during 2032 and beyond.

“The people of Far North love their sport and the upgraded Barlow Park will deliver generational infrastructure and benefits for competitors and fans alike,” QLD Minister for Sport and Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said.

Following a rigorous six-month selection process, Architectus has been chosen as the Principal Architect for the upgrade and will be collaborating with international sports architecture specialist HKS.

Architectus has worked on several outstanding projects including the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane and the HMAS Cairns Redevelopment in Far North Queensland. On the other hand, HKS was responsible for designing many recognised and acclaimed stadiums including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Optus Stadium in Perth.

Indij Design – a local Cairns architecture and design practice – is also a key member of the project team.

“GIICA has made great strides with our delivery program and the Barlow Park Stadium project in Cairns is at the heart of our 17 new and upgraded venues.

“Architectus is an outstanding Queensland-based company with a great track record of producing quality design across our state,” Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority CEO Simon Crooks said.

“The upgrade stadium will be designed to capture cooling breezes and create shade while also delivering a great view from every seat.

“With its outstanding inner-city location in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, a redeveloped Barlow Park can become a true home for local clubs and a hub for major sport and entertainment, creating lasting social and economic benefits for Cairns well beyond 2032,” Architectus Group Director Communities Mark van den Enden said.

The Barlow Park Stadium upgrade is part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program that is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and will be delivered by Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).

The upgrade will deliver a new grandstand, improved player amenities and accessibility, better equipment for athletes and increased seating to ensure a lasting sporting and entertainment legacy for Cairns.

“This investment into regions like Cairns, helps kids of today foster and grow their sporting skills right here at home.

“Things like good amenities, great fields and larger spaces like grandstands for families and community members to come and spectate to help benefit not only those on the field but local schools and smaller clubs who can then go on to train and host their sporting events rights here, in the same place where our elite national sporting events also come,” Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said.

“The Crisafulli Government’s investment gives Far North Queensland a world-class venue that reflects our region’s passion for sport and creates new opportunities for local clubs, schools and families.

“As well as for events during the 2032 Games, Barlow Park will continue to host the gamut of football codes and remain the epicentre of Far North Queensland athletics,” State Member for Mulgrave Terry James said.

The new grandstand will boost seating capacity from 1,700 to 5,000 as well as deliver better and more immersive views, and improved shade protection specially tailored to the Far North sun and tropical rain.

The Barlow Park Stadium upgrade will also provide expanded food and drink offerings with improved circulation and service points, so sports fans don’t miss the action while waiting in line.

“With the 2032 Games on the horizon, Cairns is ready to step onto the world stage.

“The revitalised Barlow Park will not only host iconic moments during the Games, it will also leave a lasting social and economic legacy for our region by being a major drawcard for major events as well as sports,” State Member for Barron River Bree James said.

“Cairns is really excited about the prospect of being part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and carrying the torch for regional Queensland.

“We are a great sporting city and having an expanded grandstand capacity and a range of new amenities at Barlow Park Stadium will provide the Cairns community with a vibrant hub for sporting and entertainment events,” Cairns Regional Council Mayor Any Eden said.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (1, 2); Cairns Regional Council