First look at Chandler Sport Precinct’s $257 million makeover

Images released today give a first glimpse of what Brisbane’s Chandler Sports Precinct will look like after its $257 million makeover is complete, as part of the Games legacy for Queensland’s most diverse multi-sports hub.

Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, and Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris today visited the site and met some of the aspiring athletes who will benefit from the significant investment.

Upgrades to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, first built for the 1982 Commonwealth Games where Lisa Curry and Tracey Wickham lit up the pool, will strengthen its place as a signature venue for Australian swimming – both for high-performance competition and community use.

The Chandler Sports Precinct already sees more than 640,000 visits across the year for a large number of sports and will only become more popular thanks to the addition of a massive new Indoor Sports Centre.

The new Centre will have 10,000 spectator seats and feature two halls – one accommodating 10 multi-sport courts and the other a 2,400m² gymnastics facility – which before and after the Games will be able to host a range of sports including basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton, and gymnastics.

Also included are site improvements throughout the Precinct providing improved accessibility and lighting, a new green hub with gathering and meeting spaces, and inter-building connectivity.

The Australian and Queensland Governments have jointly allocated $257 million – supporting 210 construction jobs - from the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program for the Chandler Sports Precinct Upgrades.

More than eight years out from the Games, a quarter of the Minor Venues Program will be out in the market in the coming months, with almost half are due out by the end of 2024. This work will soon transfer to the new independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority.

The Queensland and Australian Governments have committed to sourcing at least 30% of procurement from Queensland SMEs for the Minor Venues Program, as well as targets for 10-15% of all the hours on the projects to be undertaken by apprentices or trainees – helping to deliver the pipeline of construction workers our growing state needs.

Renders and footage are available here

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“When it comes to delivering the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I’m getting on with the job.

“In the past few weeks, we have put details of more than a quarter of a billion dollars of tenders supporting 1,000 jobs in the market, passed legislation to establish an independent delivery authority, and appointed Emma Thomas as its interim CEO.

“We are going to put on a great Games, under the IOC New Norms, that will leave a lasting legacy in communities right across the state.”

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

“New and upgraded facilities at the Chandler Sports Precinct are an investment in lasting benefits for local communities both before and after the Games.

“The Australian Government is working closely with our state government partners to deliver venues that reflect the needs of a global event while providing sporting facilities for our communities now and in the future.

“The new Indoor Sports Centre will be a game-changer for several sports, and is part of a suite of new or upgraded venues to be delivered in Queensland to support the growing population and deliver a successful Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“We’re still more than eight years out from the Games and we’re already getting ready to deliver sports facilities that will be in community use well before our international guests arrive.

“The new Indoor Sports Centre, Brisbane Aquatic Centre upgrades, and the precinct works will see the Chandler Precinct will underline its status as Queensland’s biggest and most diverse multi-sports hubs for both community and elite-level sports.

“Key upgrades to pool and diving facilities at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre will ensure this facility extends its legacy as the home of high-performance swimming and diving, as well as providing an even better experience to the 400,000 community users who visit each year.

“In fact, in 11 days, our nation’s best swimmers will take to the Chandler pool deck as they race to be part of Australia's swim team for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games – tickets are still available and it’s the closest you’ll get to the action without heading to France.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells:

“The Albanese Government is determined to help more Australians participate in sport from playground to podium, from Aussie backyards to Brisbane 2032.

“The Brisbane Games is more than a world stage it is an opportunity to inspire more Australians to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits sport provides and to do that we need improved community and high performance facilities.

“Chandler is synonymous with Brisbane sport and now with Federal and State funding, we will see it at its best.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

“These excellent new facilities at Chandler will inspire and support the next generation of Australian athletes, by providing state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure to help them become Olympic champions.

“Our investment in this precinct isn’t just about 2032, it’s also about securing an Olympic legacy for the decades that follow the events that will take place here at Chandler in just over eight years’ time.

“The Albanese Government is proud to be playing its part as our state builds the essential infrastructure projects required to host the Olympics and keep up with Queensland’s growing population.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy:

“The Chandler Sports Precinct has held a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders since it hosted the swimming and diving events at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, and is a great example of the legacy hosting major sporting events can leave.

“The venue has been instrumental as a training and competition space ever since, especially for school carnivals, regional, state, and national championships.

"When it comes to the new Indoor Sports Centre, we know that during 2020-2022 period community basketball participation in our state increased a whopping 79 per cent, and we need to build facilities to support these healthy lifestyle choices.

“The redeveloped Chandler Sports Precinct will lay another pathway for Queenslanders to become active and healthy while reaching their full athletic potential.

“It will also be a major tourism and events drawcard long into the future, with Brisbane 2032 anticipated to create a $4.6 billion boost in tourism and trade for Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are an opportunity of a lifetime to make our community even better for future generations.

“Brisbane is Australia’s sporting capital and residents are keen to reap the rewards of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event as soon as possible.

“The Chandler Sports Precinct is about creating a positive legacy that will benefit local kids, aspiring athletes, community clubs, residents and visitors in the decades to come.

“I look forward to continuing to listen to the community and work with all Brisbane 2032 partners to deliver an incredible legacy that benefits Brisbane, the region and our state.”

Quotes attributable to Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President, Andrew Liveris:

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest event in Queensland’s history, delivering significant economic and social impact across the State and beyond.

“I congratulate the Australian and Queensland Governments for the positive progress being made well ahead of 2032.

“Upgrades to facilities across the Chandler Sports Precinct will not only benefit athletes in the lead up and during the Games, but importantly, they will deliver long-term legacies for a variety of sporting and community groups.

“The Chandler precinct has been home to some wonderful sporting legends and achievements over many years – the likes of Olympians Susie O’Neill and Anna Meares and Paralympians Chris Bull and Ella Sabljak.

“Now is the time to revitalise the complex, its facilities, and surrounds, to support the next generation of sporting success.

“At a time when south-east Queensland’s population and economic growth is booming, this is a welcomed and necessary upgrade that will bring with it increased facilities, jobs and visitation.”

Quotes attributable to Swimming Queensland CEO Kevin Hasemann:

“The upgrades to the Chandler Sports Precinct will guarantee a continuation of the proud 45-year history of swimming at this venue for decades to come.        

“Since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, 39 Queensland swimmers have won a staggering 55 Olympic gold medals in individual and relay events. Ten of those swimmers won 15 individual Olympic titles. 

“This record is probably unmatched around the world, and every one of those champion swimmers learned and refined the art of racing right here at Chandler.”

Further information:

• The Chandler Sports Precinct was constructed in 1979 ahead the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. It sees around 640,000 visits each year
• Brisbane Aquatic Centre upgrades include improved equitable access; new seating, lighting, and amenities; and upgrades to meet Games competition requirements
• The Brisbane Aquatic Centre is scheduled to host the Australian Swimming Trials on 10-15 June. Tickets start at $10 for a concession, and $40 for a family of 4. Head to Ticketek to buy tickets and cheer on our athletes in the pool
• The final location of where each sport is being held at the Games is a decision for Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee in consultation with relevant international sports federations.