Two towering pedestrian bridges will link Brisbane Stadium with the National Aquatic Centre while Victoria Park’s York’s Hollow will be significantly expanded, a landmark masterplan reveals.
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie on Sunday released the masterplan for the state’s most significant Olympic and Paralympic Games precinct and legacy project.
The Victoria Park Precinct Draft Legacy Plan details how tens of thousands of spectators will access Brisbane Stadium, National Aquatic Centre and Brisbane Showgrounds.
EDITORIAL: Why the masterplan will save Victoria Park and transform Brisbane
The long-awaited masterplan features two new towering pedestrian bridges crossing the Inner City Bypass and an expanded link under Bowen Bridge Road to Exhibition Station.
It reveals the Olympic and Paralympic Games warm-up track will be located south east of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park.
The existing cricket nets and Gilchrist Ave sporting fields will be flooded as part of an expanded York’s Hollow watering hole.
Wide pathways will wind through a sprawling inner-city green space that will also feature open fields and a proposed rock climbing wall.
Early concept designs unveiled on Thursday show a lush green space built around wetlands, open lawns and dense native landscaping, with the 63,000-seat Olympic stadium built into Victoria Park’s hills.
Mr Bleijie said the iconic precinct would include expansive green space, world-class public amenities and better connectivity.
Around two-thirds of Victoria Park will remain green and public space with a public amphitheatre, open parklands, new walkways and bridges linking public transport.
Premier David Crisafulli said the inner city parkland would help transform the city.
“This state-shaping precinct is about legacy – unlocking a world-class free precinct that Queenslanders will enjoy for generations, long after the flame is extinguished,” he said.
“Just as South Bank defined a city as the gift for Expo 88, Victoria Park will be the legacy of 2032 – a place that belongs to Queenslanders once the Games have gone.
“I want Queenslanders to help shape this precinct, because for 2032 and beyond, it belongs to them.”
The masterplan was handed to Mr Bleijie in May.
“The Crisafulli Government has put an end to the chaos with a clear state-shaping plan that delivers the right infrastructure, in the right locations, with a legacy that extends well beyond 2032,” he said.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Brisbane, and I encourage all Queenslanders to have their say on this proposed Legacy Plan.”
Queenslanders will get a chance to have their say on the Victoria Park masterplan from Monday. Feedback will be open until September 27.
Two builders are in the final stages of battle for the contract to construct Brisbane Stadium.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority is continuing early earthworks at Victoria Park as opponents pledge to continue their campaign against the stadium.