New Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park marks major project milestone

The principal architects for the new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park have been announced, kicking off the new year as the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments continue to deliver for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Australian founded, internationally renowned firms COX and Hassell are partnering with Japan’s Azusa Sekkei to develop the design for the iconic stadium that reflects Queensland’s character and lifestyle. 

“We sought visionary design, innovation, and quality teamwork credentials when we started our selection process for the principal architect, and that is certainly what we have seen through our exhaustive deliberations. 

“The track record of COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei made them an outstanding choie as principal architect for Brisbane Stadium. 

“The Games will provide an incredible opportunity for our city and our state on the world stage and the designs and approach outlined by COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei will deliver an iconic Brisbane Stadium that all Queenslanders will be proud to call our own. 

“The selected team possess the appropriate experience in stadium design, alongside outstanding local knowledge and placemaking expertise, plus the added global resources that will be required for a project of this significance,” Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority Chairman Stephen Conry AM said. 

Artist impression of the new Brisbane Stadium (source: GIICA)

COX and Hassell have a proven track record of designing similar projects, having designed Perth’s Optus Stadium as well as the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval. The two firms were also part of the consortia that delivered the 2006 redevelopment of the MCG’s Northern Stand. 

On the other hand, Azusa Sekkei has delivered 120 stadiums globally, including the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The contract was awarded to the COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei team after an extensive three-month procurement process by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) that commenced with an open market call for expressions of interest in September 2025. 

The team is also supported by two world-leading engineering firms Arup Group Limited and SBP Australia, bringing significant experience to the design of the stadium’s roof. 

“The Queensland character is defined more by humility than bravado, a quality reflected in the architecture of the traditional Queenslander. 

“We believe the stadium must be truly of its place, reflecting not only the identity of Brisbane but also the broader region. It should foster the connection between where we live, the surrounding landscape, and nature itself. With its rolling green hills and sweeping views, Victoria Park is a stunning setting for this stadium. 

“The importance of long views, capturing cooling breezes, and the essential provision of shade, all embody the relaxed way of life that Queenslanders cherish – qualities that are integral to our culture,” COX Architecture Director and Chair Richard Coulson said. 

“This design goes beyond just meeting the needs of major international events by ensuring the venue can be adapted for a wide variety of sporting and cultural uses, making it a genuine asset for the whole community. 

“It will not only deliver a world class experience for athletes and fans but provide Brisbane with a vital piece of sporting infrastructure of true global calibre – a place all Queenslanders will be proud of,” Hassell Managing Principal Lucy O’Driscoll said. 

Artist impression of the new Brisbane Stadium (source: GIICA)

The new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics during the 2032 Games and will become the city’s main stadium after the Games, in legacy mode featuring 63,000 seats – serving as a fitting home ground for local sporting teams such as Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat. 

The GIICA is delivering 17 new and upgraded venues across the State as part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program that is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments. 

“The Games are well and truly on the way as Brisbane’s future stadium readies to take shape. Inspired by the iconic Queenslander, this stadium will be a worthy home for the world’s best athletes, talented performers and excited spectators during The Games. 

“The new Brisbane Stadium promises to become a landmark venue for the city as its home of global sporting events and international concerts, as well as home ground for local sports stars the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat for years to come. 

“GIICA will now commence early design work, alongside project validation work, to ensure the new stadium can be delivered on time and on budget, ready for 2032,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“The Crisafulli Government is working to restore confidence and momentum, ensuring the 2032 Games will be something every Queenslander can be proud of. 

“COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei have developed a design concept that celebrates the best of our unique Queensland lifestyle and character in a truly magnificent vision for our stadium. 

“The team is in place to see the Stadium come to life in design and construction over the next few years and ensure the new Brisbane Stadium will be the pride of Queensland beyond 2032,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Games Independent Infrastructure and Cooperation Authority (1, 2); Delivering 2032 and Beyond