The Crisafulli Government has today announced that the Brisbane Showgrounds will be transformed after this year’s Ekka with early works to commence within weeks, marking an important milestone in the delivery of this legacy infrastructure for 2032 and beyond.
The Bowen Hills showgrounds will be the site of the Brisbane Athletes Village, which will be the Games’ largest, accommodating more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the Olympic Games and over 5,000 during the Paralympic Games.
As well as housing the Brisbane Athletes Village, an upgrade to the 20,000 seat Main Arena will facilitate the growth of the precinct’s key entertainment and events capability and give the iconic Brisbane Ekka an even brighter future.
After 1,200 days of Labor chaos, the Crisafulli Government is delivering for 2032 and beyond and ensuring the Games deliver a generational infrastructure legacy across Queensland.
This delivery update comes a month after procurement commenced for the Victoria Park precinct Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.
The integrated Master Plan for the Victoria Park precinct, including the Brisbane Showgrounds and surrounds is set to be a world-class hub for recreation, events, entertainment, and lifestyle well beyond the Games.
Premier David Crisafulli said the transformation would benefit Queenslanders for decades to come.
“The early works will fire the starter’s gun on the Brisbane Showgrounds’ transformation for 2032 and beyond,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Brisbane will be centre stage for the Games, and this investment to rebuild the Main Arena will deliver a new life to the Ekka which will be enjoyed for generations to come.
“The Games are a once in a generation opportunity, and through the 2032 Delivery Plan, we are ensuring that every dollar we spend delivers a lasting legacy for Queenslanders.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Crisafulli Government’s decision to move the Village to the showgrounds would help create a vibrant precinct in the heart of Brisbane.
“As well as housing the Brisbane Athletes Village, the arena upgrade will facilitate the growth of the precinct’s entertainment and events capability and give the iconic Ekka an even brighter future,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“Importantly, a project like this could see thousands of permanent dwellings after the Games, to help meet demand for much-needed housing in our state.
“Through the Games legacy, the Crisafulli Government is creating opportunities for more housing supply, better transport, generational infrastructure that strengthens our Queensland communities.”
“Our Games commitment is part of the largest infrastructure investment in the history of Queensland – $116.8 billion.
“We’re getting on with the job of delivering a Games legacy that every Queenslander will be proud of for generations to come.”
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Brisbane Showgrounds would continue to be the permanent home for the Ekka.
“The Ekka showcases the best of Queensland, bringing country and city together,” Minister Perrett said.
“The Brisbane Athletes Village project means Ekka visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy upgraded facilities for generations to come.
“This includes upgrades to the Main Arena and improved accessibility across the site.”
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the early works are important first steps in the Brisbane Showgrounds’ transformation.
“Following this year’s Ekka, the heritage-listed John MacDonald and Ernest Baynes grandstands will be restored and upgraded to provide much improved accessibility,” Mr Christou said.
“Design works will also begin for the 20,000-seat Main Arena upgrade.
“We’re excited to share artist’s impressions of what that could look like, and the legacy the Games will leave for Queenslanders.”
“After 1,200 days of Labor chaos,” straight from the LNP press release – and not necessary in this context.
It’s great to see such significant upgrades planned for the Brisbane Showgrounds, especially the Main Arena seating and facilities. That said, there should be stronger emphasis on heritage and shading. Pavilion-style coverings, designed to complement the existing historic pavilions, could both protect spectators and reinforce the Showgrounds’ iconic character. Shade is critical in Queensland’s climate — not just for comfort, but given our world-leading skin cancer rates — and there’s a real opportunity to integrate this with stormwater capture and broader sustainability features.
Beyond the Games, keeping the precinct active and vibrant year-round will be key. With its central location, the Showgrounds could easily host more AFLW and VFL fixtures, as well as concerts and cultural events. That would diversify its use, generate extra revenue, and cement its role as an economic and cultural hub for Brisbane.
Exciting project nevertheless. A stronger focus is needed however on heritage character, shading and year-round activation, the Showgrounds should be revitalised one of Brisbane’s most iconic and self-sustaining venues. It greatly needs that reinstatement, especially considering its location.
Relocate the Ekka to somewhere else and give this area a true transformation. There’s plenty of blank spaces available for it to relocate to. Think Hamilton Northshore, or Toombul Shopping Centre. They’re both still inner-city enough for the people to get to, and there’s public transport options already existing too.
I don’t understand why Cristafulli is trying to keep the Ekka in place and redevelop the grounds at the same time. It makes no sense trying to cram in so many stalls and animals into an area earmarked for athlete’s village highrises and olympics infrastructure. What are they going to do, double-stack the animal stalls? Shrink the stall sizes?
Sydney moved their Easter showgrounds out of the inner-city ages ago; it’s a golden opportunity for Brisbane to do the same. Especially before the city growth causes more choke points around the Exhibition grounds.