An artist’s impression of the Brisbane Live entertainment centre,now known as Brisbane Arena and set to be built for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It will host swimming for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games using a drop-in pool – the Brisbane Aquatic Centre will also be upgraded – and be served by the Cross River Rail and Metro stations under construction.
But the review,led by former Liberal lord mayor Graham Quirk,found there were engineering challenges at that site,as well as a risk of cost blowouts and delays.
Public transport would also be disrupted during construction.
The review considered several alternative sites,including the Riverstage and Victoria Park,and settled on a nearby location in an under-utilised section of Roma Street Parkland.
Concept designs for Brisbane Live,the precursor to Brisbane Arena,released by the state government in 2019. It is depicted at its original site.Credit:Queensland government
It was described as a “solution that may surpass the Roma Street over-rail site option in many respects” and a “city-shaping opportunity to improve connectivity by linking the city centre with Caxton Street and Suncorp Stadium”.
While the governmentrejected Quirk’s recommendations for the Gabba,the Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre,and a new stadium at Victoria Park,it agreed to move Brisbane Arena.