- Drilling has commenced at the future site of the Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct.
- Transitioning from the Cross River Rail site, the project will feature a 17,000-seat indoor arena integrated with a world-class mixed-use precinct, including thousands of new homes.
- Two proponents shortlisted from a global pool of eight bids to deliver the transformative precinct.
- After 1,200 days of Labor Games chaos, the Crisafulli Government is delivering for 2032 and beyond and ensuring generational infrastructure legacy across Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government has broken new ground as part of Woolloongabba's economic transformation with drilling now underway for the Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct.
The precinct, to be built in partnership with the private sector, will include a new 17,000-seat indoor arena for world class concerts, sporting events and major entertainment events.
It will also deliver thousands of homes and mixed use spaces, connecting seamlessly with public transport, to create a vibrant hub that will revitalise Woolloongabba.
The geotechnical drill is comprehensively testing ground conditions throughout the site to support foundation designs for the arena. Site preparation and enabling works will also commence mid-year.
The milestone also marks the official transition of the Cross River Rail site into the Gabba arena project, with this critical transport link becoming a catalyst for Woolloongabba as one of Brisbane's most significant mixed-use urban renewal areas.
Following 1200 days of Labor's Games chaos, the shortlist of consortia who will deliver this transformative project can also be revealed, just 12 months after the Crisafulli Government unveiled its 2032 Games Delivery Plan.
Two proponents – the Brisbane Entertainment Alliance Consortium and the Gather Brisbane Consortium – are made up of building and entertainment powerhouses and have been shortlisted from a competitive global field of eight bids.
Consortia Members:
- Brisbane Entertainment Alliance Consortium - includes Capella Capital, Lendlease (Construction & Development), AEG and Legends Global.
- Gather Brisbane Consortium - includes Plenary Group, Live Nation and OVG.
Both will now provide detailed design proposals, with the successful proponent to be announced later this year and construction starting in the first half of 2027 to bring the vision of this transformative project to life.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was getting on with the job of putting the Games back on track.
"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" Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Labor's Games backflips and cost blowouts resulted in community uncertainty and put Queensland at risk of losing the 2032 Games altogether.
"During its 1,200 days of chaos and crisis, Labor's plan for the Gabba resulted in not a single sod being turned and no plan for the surrounding area, and the site was ultimately abandoned for the QSAC thought bubble.
"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."
State Envoy for Major Events Tony Cochrane said he was full of praise that this exciting moment had arrived for Brisbane and Queensland, with the commencement of site works on the much-needed world class Brisbane Arena.
"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," Mr Cochrane said.
"The talk is finally behind us and action is underway - so good!"
UDIA Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Chessher-Brown said there was no doubt that the Gabba Precinct offered a wonderful opportunity to boost housing supply, extend the city heart and deliver a world class mixed use precinct, and today's announcement was another important milestone in realising that vision.
"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," Ms Chessher-Brown said.
"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."
