It’s been a part of Brisbane’s history since the first cricket match was played there in 1896. After 122 years of cheering crowds and sporting feats, the iconic Gabba stadium is getting a multi-million dollar facelift.
Redevelopment of the 6.5-hectare Woolloongabba site, which will incorporate the neighbouring Landcentre building, GoPrint and South Brisbane Dental Hospital is expected to commence at the same time as the ambitious Cross River Rail Project. As early as 2024, sports fans will be making their way to The Gabba via the new Cross River Rail station, which will be located directly across from The Gabba.
This 220m long underground station is expected to transport nearly 18,000 passengers every day and will be connected to The Gabba by a pedestrian bridge which will extend above Main Street, making getting to the Lions games from the station would be as safe and as easy as possible.
Woolloongabba redevelopment, render of the bridge over Main Street
As well as the stadium to station land bridge, Stage A of this redevelopment would also include improved pedestrian access to the Logan Road entrance.
The state government have pledged $2 million towards the planning and consultation process, with the rest expected to come from private investment.
As well as making event days smoother and more functional and providing cricket and AFL fans with world-class facilities, the Woolloongabba redevelopment is expected to pull more people to the area on non-game days too. This is thanks to increased parklands and public spaces which will be constructed on top of the station, as well as Government Offices, some commercial residences and residential sites which will form Stage B of this project. One of the key developments already scheduled for the area is Silk ONE, with apartments offering sky-stand views over The Gabba (the best seats out of the house, so to speak).
Cross River Rail is expected to not just transform Woolloongabba, but Brisbane as a whole. When completed, Woolloongabba will be less than 3 minutes away from the Albert Street station in the CBD, making the whole east-side of the Brisbane as much of a natural extension of the CBD as South Bank is. With so much on the cards for Woolloongabba over the next few years, its only expected that more apartment developments, like Silk ONE, will also follow. We are definitely keeping our eyes peeled!
We would love to hear your thoughts on this project.
Have you visited this project recently, or perhaps you live nearby or bought in a neighbouring building? Tell us what you love about this project, or perhaps what you don't.