Brisbane Live! Entertainment Precinct Gets a Funding Boost

Plans for a 17,000-seat entertainment arena to be built above the new Roma Street underground station has received a boost from the Queensland government.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad announced on the weekend that $5 million will be committed to developing a business case for the Brisbane Live proposal which would be developed in conjunction with the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project.

“Brisbane Live!” an open-air precinct like Melbourne’s Federation Square, would be built above the existing Roma St rail lines under the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority in partnership with AEG Ogden’s Harvey Lister.

The business case is expected to take approximately 6 months to complete and will assist the Queensland government in determining whether value-for-money can be achieved by developing the Brisbane Live proposal.

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The business case will be jointly prepared by Building Queensland and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, which is doing the master planning work for the Roma St precinct which includes Brisbane Live.

The Delivery Authority will invest a boost of $5 million in the development of a detailed business case which will examine construction cost, economic benefits, delivery and procurement options.

The Cross River Rail will build a new underground rail station at Roma Street Parklands and will sit underneath Brisbane Live as part of an underground link from Annerley to the RNA Exhibition Grounds at Bowen Hills.

Jackie Trad said that the project was demonstrative of the potential that Cross River Rail has to transform Brisbane.

“Brisbane Live is a proposal for a 17,000-seat world class entertainment arena, similar to the LA Live complex, which would become Queensland’s premier entertainment venue hosting international live entertainment and world class sporting events,” Trad said.

“Brisbane Live is a very exciting proposal that will deliver decades of economic and employment opportunities in what is an underused part of the city.”

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AEG Ogden’s Harvey Lister said he was proud to be partnering with the Government in the development of the business case under an Early Operator Engagement agreement, utilising AEG Ogden’s expertise.

“We’re thrilled the Queensland Government has engaged AEG Ogden under an Early Operator Engagement agreement with Cross River Rail Delivery Authority,” Lister said.

“As a proud Queensland company, AEG Ogden has confirmed its commitment to this project by offering to provide access to the extensive work we have already undertaken for the development of the Roma Street precinct, and our expert advice and information into the Business Case for no fee.

“Brisbane Live will deliver much needed economic development and employment opportunities, virtually unprecedented urban renewal, and be a showpiece venue for the entire State.”

Jackie Trad has called upon the Federal Government to put up the boost funding for Cross River Rail with the Federal Budget to be handed down on Tuesday.