New milestones marked on Gabba Entertainment & Housing Precinct development

The delivery of the Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct has taken a step forward with site preparation works now underway.

Geotechnical drilling will comprehensively test ground conditions throughout the project site, supporting foundation designs for the new arena. Other site preparation activities and enabling works will begin mid this year.

This development is part of Woolloongabba’s economic transformation, and the precinct will be built in partnership with the private sector.

“The Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct is a once-in-a-generation development that will transform Brisbane and leave an economic, cultural and social legacy well beyond the 2032 Games.

“We are partnering with the private sector to deliver this exciting new housing and entertainment precinct right in the heart of our capital city.

“The start of drilling is an exciting step forward and part of the fresh start we promised Queenslanders, and the overwhelming global interest in this project reflects its enormous potential to attract investment, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said.

The Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct will include a new 17,000-seat indoor arena that will host world-class concerts, sporting events and major entertainment events as well as thousands of homes and mixed-use spaces that connects seamlessly with public transport, creating a vibrant hub that will revitalise Woolloongabba.

This milestone also marks the official transition of the Cross River Rail site into the Gabba arena project. This critical transport infrastructure will become a catalyst for Woolloongabba as one of Brisbane’s most significant mixed-use urban renewal areas.

“This announcement today is so essential for not only the people of Brisbane but for our entire State – finally we are on the road to landing a world class entertainment and sports Arena.

“The talk is finally behind us and action is underway – so good!” State Envoy for Major Events Tony Cochrane said.

Just 12 months after the Crisafulli Government unveiled its 2032 Games Delivery Plan, a shortlist of delivery partners for this transformative project has also been revealed.

Two proponents comprised of building and entertainment powerhouses have been shortlisted from a competitive global field of eight bids, and both are now invited to provide detailed design proposals.

The shortlist includes:

• Brisbane Entertainment Alliance Consortium – Capella Capital, Lendlease (Construction & Development), AEG and Legends Global
• Gather Brisbane Consortium – Plenary Group, Live Nation and OVG

The successful proponent is set to be announced later this year and construction is due to begin in the first half of 2027.

Once completed, the Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct will attract international and domestic visitors by hosting concerts, sporting events and major entertainment activities year-round while providing modern residential, retail, and hospitality spaces that revitalises Woolloongabba and supports urban growth.

The precinct will also have seamless connectivity with the new Gabba rail station, which will ensure convenient access to Brisbane’s city centre and beyond.

“The Queensland property industry has a strong track record of delivering world class urban renewal precincts and the Gabba offers an opportunity to re-affirm Brisbane’s reputation as a vibrant city creating exciting new places to live, work and play.

“As with all major projects, speed and certainty are critically important to delivering the investment certainty the industry needs to back renewal. Today’s announcement is another step in realising the precinct’s potential and importantly creating investment and housing opportunities that will span decades,” UDIA Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Chessher-Brown said.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Delivering 2032 and Beyond; Queensland Government – State Development, Infrastructure and Planning