Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The Albanese and Crisafulli governments have hit the ground running in 2026 on the delivery of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, announcing the principal architects for the new Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park.
Two Australian founded, internationally renowned firms – Cox and Hassell – will partner with Japan’s Azusa Sekkei to deliver an iconic stadium that reflects Queensland’s character and lifestyle.
The team brings a proven track record, having designed Perth’s Optus Stadium, the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, and were part of the consortia that delivered the 2006 redevelopment of the MCG’s Northern Stand.
Azusa Sekkei has delivered 120 stadiums worldwide, including the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Cox, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei team were awarded the contract after an extensive three-month procurement process by GIICA that began with an open market call for expressions of interest in September this year.
The team is supported by two of the world’s leading engineering firms Arup Group Limited and SBP Australia who bring significant experience to the design of the stadium’s roof.
The concept is a Queensland response for the new venue that embeds the main stadium for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games into Victoria Park’s topography.
The new stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics at the 2032 Games, before becoming the city’s main stadium in legacy mode with 63,000 seats to serve as a fitting home ground for local sporing teams Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat.
GIICA is delivering the 17 new and upgraded venues across the state in the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The games are well and truly on the way as Brisbane’s future stadium readies to take shape.
“Inspired by the iconic Queenslander, this stadium will be a worthy home for the world’s best athletes, talented performers and excited spectators during the games.
“The new Brisbane Stadium promises to become a landmark venue for the city as its home of global sporting events and international concerts, as well as home ground for local sports stars the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat for years to come.
“GIICA will now commence early design work, alongside project validation work, to ensure the new stadium can be delivered on time and on budget, ready for 2032.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier of Queensland and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie:
“The Crisafulli Government is working to restore confidence and momentum, ensuring the 2032 Games will be something every Queenslander can be proud of.
“COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei have developed a design concept that celebrates the best of our unique Queensland lifestyle and character in a truly magnificent vision for our stadium.
“The team is in place to see the stadium come to life in design and construction over the next few years and ensure the new Brisbane Stadium will be the pride of Queensland beyond 2032.”
Quotes attributable to GIICA Chairman Stephen Conry AM:
“We sought visionary design, innovation, and quality teamwork credentials when we started our selection process for the principal architect, and that is certainly what we have seen through our exhaustive deliberations.
“The track record of Cox, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei made them an outstanding choice as principal architects for Brisbane Stadium.
“The games will provide an incredible opportunity for our city and our state on the world stage and the designs and approach outlined by Cox, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei will deliver an iconic Brisbane Stadium that all Queenslanders will be proud to call our own.
“The selected team possess the appropriate experience in stadium design, alongside outstanding local knowledge and placemaking expertise, plus the added global resources that will be required for a project of this significance.”
Quotes attributable to Cox Architecture Director and Chair Richard Coulson:
“The Queensland character is defined more by humility than bravado, a quality reflected in the architecture of the traditional Queenslander.
“We believe the stadium must be truly of its place, reflecting not only the identity of Brisbane but also the broader region.
“It should foster the connection between where we live, the surrounding landscape, and nature itself.
“With its rolling green hills and sweeping views, Victoria Park is a stunning setting for this stadium.
“The importance of long views, capturing cooling breezes, and the essential provision of shade, all embody the relaxed way of life that Queenslanders cherish – qualities that are integral to our culture.”
Quotes attributable to Hassell Managing Principal Lucy O’Driscoll:
“This design goes beyond just meeting the needs of major international events by ensuring the venue can be adapted for a wide variety of sporting and cultural uses, making it a genuine asset for the whole community.
“It will not only deliver a world-class experience for athletes and fans but provide Brisbane with a vital piece of sporting infrastructure of true global calibre – a place all Queenslanders will be proud of.”