In a recent visit to Arcadis’ Brisbane office, the company’s global cities director John Batten confirmed that the $3.4 billion figure proposed by architect Michael Edwards for the redevelopment of Victoria Park in Brisbane was feasible. The proposal included three new venues – a pool, an arena, and a stadium – to be built in the same location, allowing for construction efficiencies. Additionally, the plan involved creating additional green space by building over the Inner City Bypass and the rail line at the south-east of the site, which would more than offset the footprints of the new venues. This would also improve pedestrian access to Victoria Park from the city center, especially with the upcoming Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro developments.
The potential cost savings and increase in green space offered by the Victoria Park proposal make it a strong option for Brisbane’s future development. While more detailed analysis would be necessary before any decisions could be made, dismissing the plan outright would not be fair to Queensland taxpayers. The proposal could potentially save $1.1 billion and provide a lasting legacy for the city, benefiting not only the Olympic bid but also other important sports infrastructure projects. With improvements in public transportation access to the area, such as the Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro, Victoria Park could become a more popular and easily accessible destination for residents and visitors alike.
The combination of three venues in one location and the creation of additional green space by covering the Inner City Bypass and rail line make the Victoria Park proposal a compelling option for Brisbane’s future development. The potential cost savings of $1.1 billion and the improved pedestrian access to the site from the city center through upcoming transportation developments further strengthen the case for considering this plan. While more thorough analysis and investigation would be required before a decision is made, it is important not to dismiss the proposal outright, as it could offer significant benefits to Queensland taxpayers and leave a lasting legacy for the city.
Arcadis’ global cities director John Batten confirmed the feasibility of architect Michael Edwards’ $3.4 billion proposal for the redevelopment of Victoria Park in Brisbane. The plan included three new venues – a pool, an arena, and a stadium – to be built in the same location, resulting in construction efficiencies. Additional green space would be created by building over the Inner City Bypass and the rail line at the south-east of the site, offsetting the footprints of the new venues. This would also improve pedestrian access to Victoria Park from the city center, especially with the upcoming Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro developments.
The potential cost savings and increase in green space offered by the Victoria Park proposal make it a strong option for Brisbane’s future development. While more detailed analysis would be necessary before any decisions could be made, dismissing the plan outright would not be fair to Queensland taxpayers. The proposal could potentially save $1.1 billion and provide a lasting legacy for the city, benefiting not only the Olympic bid but also other important sports infrastructure projects. With improvements in public transportation access to the area, such as the Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro, Victoria Park could become a more popular and easily accessible destination for residents and visitors alike.
It is important to consider the potential benefits of the Victoria Park proposal for Brisbane’s future development, as confirmed by Arcadis’ global cities director John Batten. The creation of three new venues in one location, combined with additional green space and improved pedestrian access through transportation developments, make the plan a compelling option. With potential cost savings of $1.1 billion and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for the city, ignoring the proposal would not be in the best interest of Queensland taxpayers. More detailed analysis would be required before a decision is made, but the plan deserves proper investigation and consideration for the future development of Brisbane.
