A major milestone has been reached for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Queensland Government announcing the appointment of the design team and Vision for the proposed National Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill. The location is also located within the legacy master plan prepared by the Queensland Government’s Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.
Prepared by the Queensland Government’s Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, the draft plan brings together the proposed Brisbane Stadium, National Aquatic Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds and Athletes Village into a single coordinated precinct vision. The draft is now available for public consultation before a final legacy plan is released in 2027.
The project will transform the heritage-listed Centenary Pool into a world-class aquatic venue that is intended to serve elite athletes during the Brisbane 2032 Games before transitioning into a long-term community and high-performance aquatic facility.
The design team comprises ARM Architecture, NH Architecture and Brisbane-based Arkhefield, with aquatic specialist Liquid Blu also joining the project. The consortium was selected following a six-month competitive design process undertaken by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
Development Details
Redevelopment of the existing Centenary Pool site
Capacity:
25,000 spectators during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
8,000-seat community and high-performance legacy capacity
New National Aquatic Centre for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Main competition arena
Secondary competition arena
Three new covered pools
High-performance training facilities
Gymnasium
Athlete support facilities
Office accommodation
Retention of existing outdoor Centenary Pool facilities
Heritage-listed structures to be incorporated into the redevelopment
Community access to continue following the Games
Construction procurement progressing in parallel with detailed design
GIICA scheduled to take possession of the site from 1 September 2026
Preferred construction contractor expected to be selected during early 2027
Project Design
The proposed design features a flowing roof inspired by water and wind while integrating with the surrounding landscape rather than dominating it. The multi-level building has been designed to step down the southern edge of the site to maximise natural light, improve natural ventilation and preserve surrounding parkland. Existing heritage-listed Centenary Pool structures will remain as part of the overall development.
Following the Games, the National Aquatic Centre is planned to become Australia’s leading venue for aquatic sports, supporting elite athlete development, national and international competitions, as well as year-round community swimming.
Construction Timeline
Design development is now underway while procurement for construction continues. Four construction teams have been shortlisted, with the field expected to reduce to two before a preferred contractor is appointed in early 2027. GIICA is expected to assume control of the Centenary Pool site from 1 September 2026, allowing early works to commence ahead of major construction.
GIICA Chairman Stephen Conry AM chaired the Design Evaluation Panel and said the quality of design submissions had been outstanding. “Ultimately, it was ARM Architecture, NH Architecture and Arkhefield’s design for a Centre inspired by the movement of water, cleverly positioned into the landscape, that we felt best reflected the natural beauty of Brisbane,” Mr Conry said.
“GIICA is committed to delivering transformational infrastructure that will benefit Queenslanders for generations, and I am confident the National Aquatic Centre and new Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park will be outstanding landmarks for our city and among our most popular public spaces.”
Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse said today represented an important milestone on the path to Brisbane 2032 and the legacy that extends well beyond the Games. “The National Aquatic Centre will deliver long term benefits for Australia’s aquatic sports and the community as a world-leading venue capable of supporting major aquatics events and high-performance training alongside community access year-round,” Mr Woodhouse said.
“We look forward to working closely with the Principal Architects and GIICA through the detailed design phase and again extend our thanks to the Queensland and Australian Governments for their commitment to the National Aquatic Centre and its legacy.”
ARM Architecture Director Andrew Hayne is leading the architect partnership and said the design’s strong connection to water makes it undeniably Queensland. “Queenslanders have a real connection to the water. The rippling plinth and floating roof reflect the movement of water, but the design is ultimately about place and is shaped by Brisbane’s landscape, subtropical climate and natural environment,” Mr Hayne said.
NH Architecture Director Emily Kilvington described the design as a world-class venue that connects people with nature while delivering an exceptional Games and community experience. “New state-of-the-art facilities shows real respect for the site’s history while positioning Queensland at the forefront of aquatic sport infrastructure,” said Ms Kilvington.
Arkhefield Founding Director Andrew Gutteridge grew up swimming at Centenary Pool and said the project will serve Queenslanders long after the 2032 Games have ended. “Hosting the Olympics and Paralympics gives us the chance to build something truly extraordinary, a place where Queenslanders can swim, train and connect with each other for decades to come,” Mr Gutteridge said.
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