A new draft masterplan has outlined the future of Brisbane’s Victoria Park Precinct, including new connections, walking trails and public spaces, with community feedback now being sought from Queenslanders to help shape the vision for one of the city’s biggest infrastructure projects.

The project is intended to create a new iconic destination for Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, linking Victoria Park with the new Brisbane Stadium, the National Aquatic Centre and the Brisbane EKKA Showgrounds, and bringing these major projects into one connected precinct.

Victoria Park Precinct Draft Legacy Plan

Under the draft vision, Victoria Park will become a vibrant and welcoming community hub while retaining a strong focus on open space, recreation and accessibility.

Prepared by international planning and design firm Arup, the draft masterplan outlines a range of new public spaces and connections designed to make the precinct easier to access, navigate and experience. Proposals include pedestrian bridges, forest trails and new walking paths, alongside opportunities to activate different areas of the precinct.

A central feature of the vision is the retention of open space. Around two-thirds of Victoria Park is proposed to remain green and publicly accessible, with the plan incorporating expanded wetlands, landscaped areas and spaces for recreation and relaxation.

Five landscape zones proposed

The future precinct has been organised around five distinct landscape areas designed to provide different experiences while operating as part of an interconnected park system.

Wetland areas would restore waterways, manage stormwater and provide relaxation spaces. Forested sections would introduce shaded paths and tree cover, supporting biodiversity and providing cooler outdoor spaces. Ridgelines would offer elevated viewpoints, walking routes and gathering areas, while community gateways would provide more welcoming connections between the park and surrounding neighbourhoods. The fifth component, venue commons, would create flexible public spaces around key venues that could accommodate events, recreation and community activities.

Greater focus on connectivity

Improving movement through the precinct is another major element of the draft plan. Proposed measures include new pedestrian and cycling routes, improved connections to train and bus services, and stronger links between Victoria Park and surrounding areas.

Community feedback sought

The masterplan is intended to establish a long-term framework for the precinct, extending beyond the 2032 Games and creating a lasting community asset that can serve Brisbane's growing population for generations.

According to Arup Project Director Penny Hall, “One of the things that makes Victoria Park special is its topography. Our approach has been shaped by the natural landscape. Green corridors follow existing valleys, ridgelines and hillsides to improve access, encourage movement and create a more connected precinct. Accessibility and activation are central to the design, helping people make the most of the site's diverse open spaces, views, and strong existing transport connections. Beyond the Games, the precinct has been designed to deliver lasting community benefits, reconnecting people with the site's culture and history through initiatives such as the restoration of York’s Hollow, while prioritising green open spaces and nature-based solutions that support biodiversity so the parklands can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“People look at the scale of what's being proposed and ask how it can be delivered in less than six years. The answer is that planning for delivery starts from day one. The first key opportunity is making sure that the infrastructure being delivered is absolutely necessary and provides value for a legacy beyond the Games 2032. We've brought together lessons from major projects around the world to understand risks and test crowd movement scenarios well before the physical infrastructure is delivered. That makes the delivery of the precinct more efficient while still delivering the best outcomes for Queenslanders.”

"We've been fortunate to embed within our team the experience of colleagues who have helped deliver major sporting events and destination precincts around the world, from London 2012 to Kai Tak in Hong Kong. What's important is understanding what has worked elsewhere and applying those lessons in a way that feels authentic to Brisbane and Queensland.”

People are encouraged to participate in public consultation, which is open until Sunday, 27 September 2026, to help shape key elements of the precinct.

Images: Supplied

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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