Arabic version: تحديثات معرض آر إن إيه تُقدَّر بـ287.5 مليون دولار

According to ABC News, Queensland’s government says upgrades to Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will cost $287.5 million. The project is funded through a $3.5 billion investment in athletes’ villages, rather than the separate $7.1 billion venues funding envelope.

The Bowen Hills works will revitalise the 20,000-seat outdoor arena, upgrade the Machinery Hill grandstand, build a multi-storey horse pavilion and deliver major accessibility improvements. Construction is due to begin after this year’s 150th edition of the Ekka, which the government says will continue uninterrupted at the site through to 2032.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the amount was requested by the RNA and that the work had been brought in on budget. The government had previously declined to disclose the upgrade cost, citing commercial-in-confidence reasons. Mr Bleijie had also previously said the funding would come from the venues envelope.

A planned 2,000-unit village overlooking the arena is expected to house up to 10,000 athletes during the Games before being converted into housing. RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said accessible pathways would link higher points near Brookes Street and O’Connell Terrace to the main arena, while a vertical design would retain event space despite a smaller footprint.

Questions remain over whether nearby Exhibition Station will operate during the Games. Mr Bleijie said the International Olympic Committee had not made a final determination, while the government’s priority was to have the station operational. Shadow treasurer Shannon Fentiman called for clarity on the station and any required security upgrades.