Principal Architects Announced for Victoria Park Stadium

Momentum is continuing to build for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Australian and Queensland Governments announcing the principal architect team for the new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park. 

Australian-founded, internationally renowned firms COX Architecture and Hassell have been appointed to lead the design, partnering with Japanese stadium specialists Azusa Sekkei. 

A proven stadium pedigree 

The appointment follows a three-month competitive procurement process led by the Games Independent

Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA). 

COX and Hassell are well known to Australian audiences, having delivered some of the country’s most recognisable sporting venues, including Perth’s Optus Stadium, the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, and works associated with the MCG’s Northern Stand redevelopment. Their combined portfolio reflects decades of experience designing stadiums that balance spectator experience, placemaking and long-term legacy. 

Complementing this local expertise is Azusa Sekkei, a global leader in sports architecture with more than 120 stadiums and arenas delivered worldwide, including the Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Their involvement brings valuable international Games experience to the project. 

Azusa Sekkei projects

Optus Stadium, designed by Hassell, COX and HKS Sport and Entertainment

A ‘Queensland response’ at Victoria Park 

Early design concepts for the stadium have been described as a distinctly “Queensland response”, embedding the venue into Victoria Park’s natural topography and landscape. 

According to COX Architecture Director and Chair Richard Coulson, the design approach draws inspiration from the traditional Queenslander, prioritising shade, ventilation, long views and a strong connection to the outdoors. With Victoria Park’s rolling hills and elevated outlook, the site offers the opportunity to create a stadium that feels both monumental and grounded in place. 

Hassell Managing Principal Lucy O’Driscoll has emphasised the importance of flexibility and legacy, noting that the stadium is being designed to support a wide range of sporting and cultural events beyond the Games, ensuring it becomes a long-term community asset rather than a single-use venue. 

A centrepiece for the Games and beyond 

The new Brisbane Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Post-Olympics, it will become Brisbane’s main stadium with 63,000 seats, serving as a long-term home ground for the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls, and Brisbane Heat. 

The project forms part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, which includes 17 new and upgraded venues across the state. The stadium itself is currently budgeted at $3.6 billion, with early works and design validation set to commence shortly. 

While an exact footprint within Victoria Park is yet to be finalised, earthworks are expected to begin later this year as the project moves into its next phase.  

Looking ahead 

The appointment of COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei marks a significant milestone in Brisbane’s Olympic journey. 

As the Brisbane 2032 program continues to take shape, we’ll be watching closely and sharing updates on the people, projects and opportunities shaping one of Australia’s largest-ever infrastructure programs.