2 days ago
Leaked documents show $3.7bn Olympic stadium will be built in Victoria Park as Queensland Rail proposes new train station
A new train station will be built beside Brisbane's 63,000-seat Olympic stadium in Victoria Park under plans outlined in leaked Queensland government documents.
The commercial-in-confidence briefing, obtained by The Courier-Mail, also confirms for the first time the location of the $3.7 billion stadium at the southern end of Victoria Park, near the waterhole at Gilchrist Avenue and adjacent to the existing pedestrian bridge.
Queensland Rail has proposed a three-platform train station on the site of the current rollingstock wash facility next to the Inner City Bypass.
According to the documents, the station would serve as 'a key component of the precinct's integrated transport solution, enhancing accessibility, supporting future population growth and ensuring long-term economic and social value'.
The cost of the station has not been disclosed.
Brisbane Arena will now be pursued as a private sector-led development for infrastructure delivery, with state Treasurer David Janetzki announcing the creation of a dedicated Treasury unit.
'I've tasked Queensland Treasury to establish a dedicated unit to attract private capital to help deliver infrastructure projects needed for a growing state,' he said on Tuesday.
'Treasury's transaction team will be up and running by August 1 to explore different models to deliver commercially for investors while delivering for taxpayers.'
The Victoria Park stadium location was backed by the independent 100-day review, which recommended the site due to its connections to Brisbane Metro, Exhibition Station, and proximity to Roma Street and Fortitude Valley stations.
However, the panel also warned that upgrades would be required at Exhibition Station to handle increased crowds during Games-time events.
That advice was given before the announcement of the $650 million National Aquatic Centre, to be built at nearby Centenary Pool.
A second pedestrian bridge is planned above the Inner City Bypass to link the stadium with the aquatic facility.
A warm-up athletics track will be constructed at the eastern end of Victoria Park, near the busway station.
Between the stadium and training area, space has been set aside for broadcast facilities and a holding compound for Opening and Closing Ceremony logistics.
Together with an upgrade to the RNA Arena, the development will feature three Olympic venues - with a combined 108,000 seats - within 1.5km of each other.
Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg has acknowledged the precinct will require additional infrastructure investment.
'What we need to do is, we need to design the stadium, stadium infrastructure, and then work out what transport links are required and how to move people in and out of those facilities as quickly as possible,' he said.
Exhibition Station is expected to begin year-round services in 2029, following the completion of the Cross River Rail project.
