Climate Positive
Olympics Advocacy
This research explores the potential of a nature positive outcome for the main stadium to the Brisbane ‘32 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The outcome is a demountable stadium that enables an entire inner-city block to be handed back to the city, and a new life for existing sporting facilities
A “climate-positive” games adapts rather than demolishes, it builds for the future not just the event, it provides new accessible links, it adds biodiversity, and it elevates cultural and civic considerations.
 
Info
Client:
Research
Location:
Land of Land of Turrbal and Jagera peoples
Brisbane
Status:
completed
Typology:
Urban, Sports
 

The stated goal of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics is to be the first ‘climate-positive Olympics’. Yet the Queensland Government’s pre-determined plan for the Gabba as the Olympic stadium immediately sets back the agenda.

The published design proposals for the Gabba and the adjacent site (see here), which is currently being used by the cross-rail project, are based on predetermined design parameters that stand in direct contrast to achieving a climate-positive Games.

The Government’s current brief:

  • demolishes a perfectly serviceable 42,000 seat stadium;
  • puts pressure on existing heritage assets (the East Brisbane State School and the Woolloongabba Police Station);
  • separates the athletes from the warm-up track; and,
  • builds a new stadium that is unsuitable for its current and future uses as a venue for cricket and AFL football.
 

We found that by rethinking the way the site is developed and staged, a far better design solution is achievable. Our proposal retains the Gabba and builds a temporary stadium on the adjacent site. This solution provides many benefits.

  • The temporary stadium can be deconstructed after the games and the materials either completely repurposed or recycled.
  • The site of the deconstructed stadium can be returned to the public as a park or for another community use.
  • The Gabba becomes the warm-up facility, better serving athletes and officials, and can be returned to the cricket and AFL after the games.
  • Existing community assets can be retained, upgraded and enhanced, not demolished e.g. the Gabba, the East Brisbane State School and the Woolloongabba Police Station.
  • It is more cost-effective.
  • It can be built more quickly.
  • It can be started earlier – the Woolloongabba Cross River Rail Station is handed over in 2024 but the Gabba is not available until 2025.
  • It aligns with sustainable design principles that genuinely support a climate-positive Games.

Note: We have consulted with the following people/organisations on this work.  Malcolm Middleton (immediate past Queensland Government Architect) and Global GreenTag’s David Baggs and Mary-Lou Kelly.

Current brief
Climate positive response – Stage 1: Stadium / Event Space
Climate positive response – Stage 2: City-making infrastructure
‘Gabba West’ presents an opportunity to build both a temporary Olympic stadium and a permanent legacy. Utilising the existing Gabba as the warm-up venue during the event, the new (temporary) stadium can be recycled to refurbish and rejuvenate the Gabba. The resultant land providing a new site, for much needed biodiversity, parkland and housing. This is a legacy.