The Venues That Will Define the 2032 Games
A new Olympic Legacy
With state and federal elections behind us, Brisbane is turning its focus to delivering a world-class Olympic and Paralympic Games. Fresh off Australia successful Olympic performance in Paris (where our Aussie athletes claimed a record medal haul) Australia has an exciting opportunity to build a new Olympic legacy! The Queensland government is pitching this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the world’s biggest event, which will bring a world of opportunity through large investment in infrastructure and public transport, tourism opportunities, business stimulus, as well as significant workforce uplift.”
Premier David Crisafulli
The recently released 2032 Delivery Plan (https://www.delivering2032.com.au/) outlines new and upgraded sports venues, accommodation, transport and tourism infrastructure, as well as upgrades to more than 125 existing grassroots sports clubs.
The Sustainable Games?
The Brisbane 2032 Olympics are not just a once off sporting event, but a catalyst for sustainable development of sports infrastructure across the state.
While the Games initially promised to set a new standard in sustainable urban development, aiming to be ‘climate positive’ (more carbon sequestered or offset than emitted), the Queensland government has tempered expectation that this will be the first ‘climate positive’ Olympics (https://theconversation.com/).
This doesn’t mean an end to the sustainable Olympics though, the Queensland Government is still legally bound to achieving a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 (https://www.energyandclimate.qld.gov.au/) and several of the new and upgraded venues are targeting world’s best 6 Star Green Star standard.
Engineered timber products, such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (GLT), offers a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel for the construction of the Olympics. Engineered timber significantly reduces the embodied carbon of buildings and its use was successfully implemented in Paris 2024 (https://www.uq.edu.au).
Let’s take a closer look at the venues set to define the 2032 Games and the opportunities for engineered timber.
Creating Icons
From the landmark (and controversial) Victoria Park Stadium to new community-focused facilities like the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, these projects are designed not just to host world-class events, but to serve Queenslanders for decades to come.
1. Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park)
- Type: New Construction
- Location: Herston, Brisbane
- Capacity: 63,000 seats
- Purpose: Opening & Closing ceremonies, athletics
- Legacy: Home for AFL and cricket teams, including the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls
- Source: Brisbane Stadium | Main Games Stadium | GIICA
2. Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre
- Type: New Construction
- Location: Petrie, Queensland.
- Capacity: Up to 10,000 seats
- Purpose: Boxing, Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Futsal, Wheelchair Rugby
- Legacy: Sporting and community use, live entertainment and functions
- Source: Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre | New Venue| GIICA
3. National Aquatic Centre and Precinct
4. Logan Indoor Sports Centre
- Type: New Construction
- Location: Logan Central, Queensland
- Capacity: 7,000 seats
- Purpose: Badminton, basketball,
- Legacy: Indoor Sports including netball, basketball, volleyball, futsal and badminton
- Source: Logan Indoor Sports Centre | New Venue | GIICA
Timber’s Moment
Engineered timber is a smart, sustainable material choice with sports infrastructure projects. Venues such as aquatic centres, sports halls and grandstands all being ideal candidates due to engineered timber’s ability to span long distances while providing structural efficiency and visual warmth. Manufactured off-site and assembled rapidly engineered timber reduces construction time, minimises labour, and cuts embodied carbon - benefits clearly demonstrated at Paris 2024 (https://www.francebois2024.com/)
Looking ahead to Brisbane 2032, three standout opportunities for engineered timber include:
- Brisbane Stadium – With timber stadiums being developed around the world this is Australia chance to showcase our skill and engineering capability.
- National Aquatic Centre Roof – Inspired by the Paris Aquatic Centre, a hybrid GLT / CLT roof could showcase sustainability while meeting complex engineering demands.
- Indoor Sports Halls – GLT beams, or open-web trusses offer efficient long spans, reducing steel use while delivering a warm, high-performance interior.
Building for 2032 and Beyond
The Brisbane 2032 Olympics present a rare opportunity to set a global benchmark in sustainable construction. By prioritising engineered timber and smart design, Queensland can create venues that don’t just serve the Games but serve the environmental needs of the generations to come.
Thoughtfully designed, these spaces can become enduring assets, delivering environmental, social, and economic value long after the spotlight fades.
For those exploring how to realise this legacy, Theca Timber is ready to support high-performance, sustainable projects with insights, materials, and collaboration.
Want to learn more about how we can transform your timber construction project? Get in touch to discover the power of computational design and DfMA.
Contact:
timothy@theca.com.au (NSW&ACT)
adam@theca.com.au (All other enquiries)