By Government announces trio of architecture firms and reveals proposed design for new National Aquatic Centre
The design for the National Aquatic Centre to be built for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the site of Centenary Pool at Spring Hill. (Supplied: Queensland government)
In short:
The state government has chosen three firms to design a new National Aquatic Centre at Centenary Pool and revealed renders of the proposed design.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie refused to directly answer whether the proposed centre’s seating capacity would be scaled back to avoid cost blowouts.
What’s next?
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority will take possession of the site from September 1.
The state government has unveiled fresh renders of the new National Aquatic Centre in Brisbane as it locks in a trio of architectural firms to design the marquee 2032 Olympics venue.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) will take over Centenary Pool at Spring Hill on September 1, when early works will begin on site.
The state has chosen three firms to design the centre: ARM Architecture, NH Architecture and Queensland-based Arkhefield.
The proposed design features a wave-shaped roof.
The Centenary Pool at Spring Hill is set to close on August 31. (ABC News)
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie will make the announcement tomorrow, six years out from the start of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.
“This design trio will develop an iconic new home for high-performance aquatic athletes, as well as a legacy for community sport,” Mr Bleijie said.
“This isn’t just a venue for a few weeks in 2032.
“It’s a lasting investment in Queensland’s future that will support community sport, high-performance athletes and keeping us cool for generations to come.”
NH Architecture played a role in the redevelopment of Melbourne Park, while ARM Architecture delivered the RAC Arena in Perth.
The centre is expected to have up to 25,000 seats during the Games, with a legacy capacity of 8,000 seats.
Mr Bleijie was asked today whether the capacity could be scaled back to save costs, but he did not directly answer the question.
He insisted, though, the $7.1 billion funding envelope for Games infrastructure would not change.
Kids lining up to leap off a high dive platform at Brisbane’s Centenary Pool in 1966. (Supplied: Brisbane City Council)
“GIICA is leading the charge with respect to the delivery of those venues,” Mr Bleijie said.
“What we said we were going to deliver was a National Aquatic Centre that will be the envy of the world.
“The best aquatic centre in the world at the moment is in Budapest, and they delivered an aquatic centre, and ours wants to be absolutely better than that.”
Mr Bleijie also noted the government was going through a process with GIICA for all the venues.
“We did ask them to look at the costings, because when you appoint architects and designers, they have to do it within budget,” the deputy premier added.
“Obviously GIICA has not released the results of the design phase and so forth … and we look forward to being briefed on that.”
Originally published on www.abc.net.au — View original