What’s happening?
Drilling has started at the future Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct in Woolloongabba.
The Queensland Government has also shortlisted two proponents to move forward in the project process. They are the Brisbane Entertainment Alliance Consortium and the Gather Brisbane Consortium.
Both groups were selected after a competitive global field of bids. They will now move into the Request for Detailed Proposal phase.
The project is planned as a new entertainment and housing precinct in Brisbane’s inner south. It will be anchored by Queensland’s premier indoor arena.
Site preparation is now underway, including geotechnical drilling across the precinct. This work will test ground conditions and support future foundation designs for the new arena.
Detailed design proposals are expected to be submitted in October 2026.
Why it matters?
This project is one of the major legacy plans linked to the 2032 Games Delivery Plan.
The Queensland Government says the precinct is designed to create a world-class entertainment venue and a broader inner-city hub for housing, business, and public activity.
It is also expected to support tourism, major events, hospitality, retail, and residential growth in a central part of Brisbane.
The plan aims to create a stronger long-term use for the area beyond 2032, with better links to transport and more activity across the precinct.
Local Impact
This could reshape Woolloongabba into a busier and more connected destination.
The precinct is expected to bring more visitors, more investment, and more housing into the area.
It could also strengthen the inner south as a destination for sport, concerts, and major events, while improving access through nearby public transport.
Its location near a new underground rail line and close to the CBD adds to its long-term value for residents, visitors, and businesses.
By the numbers
- Eight bids were received through the global process, showing strong interest in delivering the precinct.
- October 2026 is when detailed design proposals are expected, marking the next major project milestone.
- Over the next decade, the project scope is intended to shape an integrated precinct with housing, entertainment, and commercial activity.
Zoom In
The Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct sits within the broader Woolloongabba Priority Development Area.
The two shortlisted proponents will now move into the Request for Detailed Proposal (RFDP) phase, with detailed design proposals expected later this year.
This stage will seek comprehensive proposals that build on the capabilities already shown during the Expression of Interest process.
It will also encourage innovative and integrated approaches to make the most of opportunities across the precinct.
Zoom Out
The Information Memorandum outlines the proposed vision and scope of the project over the next decade, to create an integrated precinct in Woolloongabba.
That longer view shows this is not only about a new indoor arena. It is also about shaping a mixed-use precinct with housing, investment, and stronger connections in Brisbane’s inner south.
What to look for next?
October 2026 is set to be the next key milestone, with detailed proposals due from both shortlisted proponents.
Those plans are expected to show how the precinct could come together as a major entertainment and housing hub close to Brisbane’s CBD.
