{"id":72324,"date":"2026-08-15T01:31:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T01:31:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/72324\/"},"modified":"2026-08-15T01:31:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T01:31:13","slug":"ekka-2026-brisbane-showgrounds-set-for-more-than-280m-transformation-ahead-of-2032-olympics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/72324\/","title":{"rendered":"Ekka 2026: Brisbane Showgrounds set for more than $280m transformation ahead of 2032 Olympics"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the final Ekka crowds leave the Brisbane showgrounds on Sunday night, demolition crews will move in within days, marking the beginning of a major transformation of the historic precinct.<\/p>\n

Within a week of the Royal Queensland<\/a> Show wrapping up its 150th exhibition, the old Machinery Hill stand, Stockman\u2019s Bar and some horse stalls will be demolished, making way for a new 20,000-seat main arena, a new horse pavilion and a rebuilt grandstand.<\/p>\n

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: What happens to the Brisbane Showgrounds after the Ekka?<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

Royal National Agricultural<\/a> and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA)\u00a0chief executive Brendan Christou said the new horse pavilion will replace the ageing horse stalls which have reached \u201ctheir end of life\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re creating a new multi-storey horse pavilion where our horses will be stabled for the next 150 years,\u201d Christou told 7NEWS. <\/p>\n

The three-level pavilion will also bring back one of the show\u2019s familiar watering holes, with Stockman\u2019s Bar planned for its rooftop. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe new Machinery Hill to replace the old stand, that\u2019s going to be bigger and better than ever and we can\u2019t wait for that to open in probably 2028,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The redevelopment will also improve accessibility, including at the heritage-listed stands.<\/p>\n

The $287.5 million transformation is part of the Brisbane 2032 Athletes Village project. <\/p>\n

\"RNARNA chief executive Brendan Christou explains how the ageing horse stalls will be demolished and replaced with a new multi-storey horse pavilion, with modern stabling for horses at the showgrounds. Credit: 7NEWS\"MachineryMachinery Hill at the Brisbane Showgrounds will be demolished after this year\u2019s Ekka to make way for a new grandstand. Credit: 7NEWS\"TheThe ageing Machinery Hill stand will be demolished after this year\u2019s Ekka, making way for a larger new grandstand expected to open in 2028. Credit: Queensland Government<\/p>\n

The Showgrounds will become home to about 10,000 athletes and officials during the Olympics<\/a>, with about 1800 apartments planned. After the 2032 Games, they are intended to become permanent housing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe early works will fire the starter\u2019s gun on the Brisbane Showgrounds\u2019 transformation for 2032 and beyond,\u201d Premier David Crisafulli<\/a> said.<\/p>\n

The Ekka will continue while construction is under way, although there will be no Exhibition at the Showgrounds in 2032 when the precinct is occupied by the athletes. Temporary grandstands will be used during construction.<\/p>\n

For the RNA, preserving the character of the 150-year-old show is just as important as building new infrastructure. <\/p>\n

Historical artefacts are being collected before construction so they can be incorporated into the new precinct. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe know we\u2019re here for a very small time in the history of the RNA and, you know, in two years\u2019 time or thereabouts, we\u2019ll open the gates for the Ekka and people will see these new facilities and then, of course, we\u2019ll be well and truly ready for the 2032 Games,\u201d Christou said.<\/p>\n

Play Video<\/p>\n

The RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane is undergoing a $287.<\/p>\n

The RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane is undergoing a $287.\"PartsParts of the Brisbane Showgrounds are set for major redevelopment as the precinct prepares for the 2032 Olympics. Credit: Queensland Government<\/p>\n

The upgraded arena is also intended to give the Showgrounds a life beyond the annual show, with the RNA flagging potential events including AFL and cricket.<\/p>\n

The broader redevelopment is designed to connect the precinct with the new Victoria Park stadium and aquatic centre.<\/p>\n

For Christou, the goal is simple: make sure the traditions drawing Queenslanders to Bowen Hills for 150 years can continue for another century and a half.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re setting the Ekka up for the future,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re really excited. I mean, this is the people\u2019s show.\u201d<\/p>\n

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