State Floats New Name for Brisbane’s Gabba Precinct

The largest urban renewal in Brisbane since South Bank is moving ahead, says the state government, and they’ve got a new name for it.

The Gabba Stadium Project Validation Report (PVR) had been completed, the government said, and community consultation on the urban renewal was under way, including what Brisbanites think of calling it “East Bank”.

The new name would cover the broader Woolloongabba urban renewal precinct, which includes much of the suburb.

“The vision for the precinct is to be a vibrant place on event and non-event days that is better connected and more sustainable and supports more open space, proving a lasting legacy for residents,” the government said.

“The broader precinct provides the opportunity for urban renewal of a world-renowned location for the enjoyment of residents and those who visit for work or fun.

“It will deliver a great mix of uses, from commercial and retail opportunities to hotel and residential options, including at least 20 per cent social and affordable housing.”

The government said the full stadium rebuild would support this vision, as well as “providing an optimal fan experience and achieve international best practice”.

The PVR provides detail on how The Gabba stadium would be fully deconstructed and rebuilt to support Queensland’s long-term sport, community, and entertainment needs before, and for decades after, Brisbane 2032.

In 2018, before the successful bid for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Stadium Taskforce Report found that The Gabba was a “tired” venue and that it would come to the end of its useful life by 2030, indicating a rebuilt Gabba should be considered irrespective of the Games.

Of the four options considered in the PVR, the one selected not only provides the best value for money, but also hits the mark on all four key pillars, including being a catalyst for sustainable urban renewal, investment and ability to attract and host world-class events, according to the government.

Deconstruction is due to begin in 2025, and the new stadium to be ready for use in 2030, well ahead of Brisbane 2032.

▲ A graphic overview of the Gabba precinct.

This rebuild is within the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA), which will also include the Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro connect to South Bank, the Brisbane CBD and new Brisbane Arena at Roma St via a walkable spine, an active travel corridor to South Bank plus Brisbane City Council’s new green bridge.

The new Gabba stadium improvements include:

• Better viewing through an enhanced design to provide a 360-degree fan experience

• Larger entries and concourses for better admission

• Better connectivity and accessibility throughout, including lifts and escalators

• Two pedestrian bridges across Main Street to form the ‘station to stadium’ connection between the stadium and the Cross River Rail station, as well as a pedestrian bridge over Stanley Street

• 50,000 seats (potential for greater than 50,000 seats in legacy mode depending on the sport and between 50,000 and more than 70,000 for concerts, depending on placement of stage and standing or seated, among other factors)

• Seamless connection to the broader precinct, currently being masterplanned to create a new mixed-use precinct with increased greenspace, retail and dining.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said The Gabba’s 128-year history made it “iconic for Queensland, and this redevelopment will ensure a lasting legacy to be enjoyed for another 128 years and beyond”.

“This isn’t just about a stadium upgrade. This is about anchoring an urban renewal project that will see Woolloongabba transformed like South Bank was for Expo 88.

“The Woolloongabba redevelopment, along with Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro, will anchor a major redevelopment of Woolloongabba to maximise the benefit of public investment and deliver more housing including social and affordable housing, more jobs, and better connectivity.”