Athletes and sports fans in the Far North during the 2032 Games and beyond will benefit from a cool and shaded new-look Barlow Park Stadium in Cairns, designed by an award-winning team boasting outstanding local, national, and international experience. 

Architectus – one of Queensland’s largest and most-diverse architectural studios – has been selected as Principal Architect for the Barlow Park Stadium upgrade after a rigorous six-month selection process.

The upgrade of Barlow Park Stadium will commence soon to deliver a new grandstand, improved player amenities and accessibility, better equipment for athletes and increased seating, ensuring a lasting sporting and entertainment legacy for Cairns. 

The new grandstand will increase seating from 1,700 to 5,000 and provide better and more immersive views, as well improved shade protection specially tailored to the Far North’s sun and tropical rain.

The stadium upgrade will also provide expanded food and drink offerings with improved circulation and service points, so sports fans don’t miss the action while waiting in line.

Architectus has worked on a range of outstanding projects, including the iconic and award-winning Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane. They also completed the noted HMAS Cairns Redevelopment in Far North Queensland.

Architectus will collaborate with international sports architecture specialist HKS who are responsible for designing many of the world’s most recognised and acclaimed stadiums including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Optus Stadium in Perth.

Local Cairns architecture and design practice Indij Design is also a key member of the project team.

The Barlow Park Stadium upgrade is part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and will be delivered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Australian Government’s investment in sporting and community infrastructure will deliver real, long-lasting benefits for Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

“By transforming Barlow Park Stadium into a world class sporting venue, Cairns will be able to attract more major sporting and entertainment events like the 2032 Games and show the world how beautiful this region really is.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander:

“The Games are back on track with works at Barlow Park Stadium to begin at the end of this year’s footy season, and it will be a fantastic community asset for Cairns during 2032 and beyond.

“The people of the Far North love their sport and the upgraded Barlow Park will deliver generational infrastructure and benefits for competitors and fans alike.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith:

“This investment into regions like Cairns, helps kids of today foster and grow their sporting skills right here at home.

“Things like good amenities, great fields and larger spaces like grandstands for families and community members to come and spectate help benefit not only those on the field but local schools and smaller clubs who can then go on to train and host their sporting events right here, in the same place where our elite national sporting events also come.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Mulgrave Terry James:

“The Crisafulli Government’s investment gives Far North Queensland a world-class venue that reflects our region’s passion for sport and creates new opportunities for local clubs, schools and families.

“As well as for events during the 2032 Games, Barlow Park will continue to host the gamut of football codes and remain the epicentre of Far North Queensland athletics.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Barron River Bree James:

“With the 2032 Games on the horizon, Cairns is ready to step onto the world stage.

“The revitalised Barlow Park will not only host iconic moments during the Games, it will also leave a lasting social and economic legacy for our region by being a major drawcard for major events as well as sports.”

Quotes attributable to Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden:

“Cairns is really excited about the prospect of being part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and carrying the torch for regional Queensland.

“We are a great sporting city and having an expanded grandstand capacity and a range of new amenities at Barlow Park Stadium will provide the Cairns community with a vibrant hub for sporting and entertainment events.”

Quotes attributable to GIICA CEO Simon Crooks:

"GIICA has made great strides with our delivery program and the Barlow Park Stadium project in Cairns is at the heart of our 17 new and upgraded venues.

"Architectus is an outstanding Queensland-based company with a great track record of producing quality design across our state.”

Quotes attributable to Architectus Group Director Communities Mark van den Enden:

“The upgraded stadium will be designed to capture cooling breezes and create shade while also delivering a great view from every seat.

“With its outstanding inner‑city location in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, a redeveloped Barlow Park can become a true home for local clubs and a hub for major sport and entertainment, creating lasting social and economic benefits for Cairns well beyond 2032.”