Major Housing and Transport Upgrades Confirmed for Bowen Hills Olympic Village
Early construction works began at the Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills following the 2025 Ekka to transform the site into the 2032 Olympic Athlete Village. The Queensland Government has confirmed the plan to house over 10,000 athletes and officials during the Games before converting the precinct into permanent housing.
Developer Lendlease is moving forward with a proposal for 1,800 homes at the RNA Showgrounds site. The project aims to deliver a lasting legacy of residential supply and mixed-use community spaces after the Olympics conclude in 2032.
From Temporary Village to Permanent Neighbourhood
The Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan outlines a strategy to turn the Brisbane Showgrounds into a major residential and mixed-use community. Premier David Crisafulli stated that the early works will “fire the starter’s gun” on the transformation, ensuring every dollar spent delivers a legacy for Queenslanders.
Lendlease confirmed that the homes would be taken to market as build-to-rent or build-to-sell after the Games. The developer described the project as an important step for the main athletes’ village, which will comprise approximately 1,800 apartments.
Architectural firm Howells, known for work on the London Olympics, will design the project in conjunction with Australian firms including Woods Bagot, Cottee Parker, DBI, and Plus Studio. BVN is guiding the multidisciplinary masterplanning team to steer the future of the precinct.
Transport Links and Venue Upgrades
A new above-ground rail station will connect the site to the CBD, with trains enabled to operate daily rather than just for events. The station will accommodate nine-car rolling stock and provide connections to the existing rail network via the Cross River Rail project.
The plan also includes upgrading the 20,000-seat Main Arena and restoring heritage grandstands. Jarrod Bleijie, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, noted that moving the village to the showgrounds would help create a vibrant precinct in close proximity to the new Victoria Park Stadium.
The Queensland Government has announced that the new rail line will activate the showground site every day, with the station accommodating approximately 9,400 people each weekday by 2036.
Legacy Beyond the Games
The transformation is part of a broader urban renewal effort to deliver long-term housing supply and boost economic activity in the inner north. The project is slated as the final collaboration between landowner RNA and Lendlease for the 22-hectare site.
While a builder has not yet been appointed, the chairman of Hutchinson Builders, Queensland’s largest contractor, told media he was bidding for the project. Scott Hutchinson noted that high-rise residential construction is “the least loved job” but suited his company.
Other venues across the state, including the Brisbane Showgrounds, Queensland Tennis Centre, and Logan Indoor Sports Centre, will be upgraded to provide legacy benefits for the community.
