International design firms have been selected to lead the design of Brisbane’s new 63,000-seat Olympic stadium at Victoria Park, marking a major step in delivery of the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Cox Architecture, Hassell and Japan’s Azusa Sekkei have been announced as the firms leading the design of the new venue.
The Federal and Queensland governments confirmed the architect team will begin early design and validation work for the new Brisbane Stadium, which is set to host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games before becoming Brisbane’s primary stadium in legacy mode.
The consortium brings significant stadium experience, including Perth’s Optus Stadium, Adelaide Oval’s redevelopment and the 2006 upgrade of the MCG’s Northern Stand, while Azusa Sekkei has delivered more than 120 stadiums globally, including Tokyo’s Japan National Stadium.
The three-month procurement process was led by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), following an open market call for expressions of interest released in September 2025.
Two major engineering firms, Arup Group Limited and SBP Australia, will support the architectural team, particularly in the design of the stadium’s roof structure.
The Queensland-based concept embeds the stadium into the topography of Victoria Park, with the venue designed to support large-scale international events while also operating as a long-term sporting and entertainment hub for Brisbane.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the stadium was moving into its next phase of delivery.
“The Games are well and truly on the way as Brisbane’s future stadium readies to take shape,” King said.
“Inspired by the iconic Queenslander, this stadium will be a worthy home for the world’s best athletes, talented performers and excited spectators during the Games.
“The new Brisbane Stadium is set to become a landmark venue for the city as its home of global sporting events and international concerts, as well as the home ground for the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat for years to come.
“GIICA will now commence early design and project validation work to ensure the stadium can be delivered on time and on budget, ready for 2032.”
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the project was central to rebuilding momentum for the Games.
“The Queensland Government is working to restore confidence and momentum, ensuring the 2032 Games will be something every Queenslander can be proud of,” Bleijie said.
“Cox, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei have developed a design concept that celebrates the best of our unique Queensland lifestyle and character in a truly magnificent vision for our stadium.
“The team is now in place to progress the stadium through design and construction over the next few years so it will become a lasting legacy beyond 2032.”
GIICA chairman, Stephen Conry, said the selection process focused on design quality, innovation and team capability.
“We sought visionary design, innovation and strong teamwork credentials when we began our selection process, and that is exactly what this team demonstrated,” Conry said.
“The track record of Cox, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei made them an outstanding choice as principal architects for Brisbane Stadium.
“The Games will place Brisbane and Queensland on the world stage and this design team is well placed to deliver an iconic stadium that reflects both global best practice and local identity.”
Cox Architecture director and chair, Richard Coulson, said the design approach drew heavily on Queensland’s built form and climate.
“The Queensland character is defined more by humility than bravado, a quality reflected in the traditional Queenslander,” Coulson said.
“We believe the stadium must be of its place, reflecting not only Brisbane but the broader region.
“With Victoria Park’s rolling green hills and sweeping views, the site provides a remarkable setting for a stadium that connects architecture, landscape and climate.
“Long views, cooling breezes and shade are fundamental to the relaxed way of life Queenslanders value and these principles are central to our design thinking.”
Hassell managing principal, Lucy O’Driscoll, said the venue would be designed for long-term flexibility as well as major events.
“This design goes beyond meeting the needs of major international events,” O’Driscoll said.
“It will support a wide range of sporting and cultural uses, ensuring the stadium becomes a genuine community asset and a piece of infrastructure of true global calibre for Brisbane.”
The Brisbane Stadium will be one of 17 new and upgraded venues being delivered under the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program, jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments and overseen by GIICA.
