Designs for $257m Chandler Sports Precinct upgrade released

Following the announcement that procurement has commenced on several sporting venues for the 2032 Games, images have now been released to give a first glimpse of what the upgraded Chandler Sport Precinct will look like. 

The Chandler Sports Precinct – also known as the Sleeman Sports Complex – was built in 1979 for the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Since opening, the sports facility has seen up to 640,000 visits each year. 

The $257 million earmarked for the upgrade of the Chandler Sport Precinct will deliver a new massive Indoor Sports Centre along with improvements to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre to strengthen its place as a go-to venue for Australian swimming – both for high-performance competition and community use. 

“The Brisbane Games is more than a world stage it is an opportunity to inspire more Australians to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits sport provides and to do that we need improved community and high performance facilities. 

“Chandler is synonymous with Brisbane sport and now with Federal and State funding, we will see it at its best,” Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells said. 

“The Chandler Sports Precinct has held a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders since it hosted the swimming and diving events at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, and is a great example of the legacy hosting major sporting events can leave. 

“The venue has been instrumental as a training and copetition space ever since, especially for school carnivals, regional, state, and national championships,” QLD Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said. 

Chandler Sports Precinct upgrade map (source: Queensland Government)

The future Indoor Sports Centre will have 10,000 spectator seats and feature two halls that can accommodate 10 multi-sports courts and provide a 2,400 metre square gymnastics facility. The new Centre will be able to host a range of sports before and after the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton and gymnastics. 

Site improvements will also be carried out throughout the Precinct to provide better accessibility and lighting alongside a new green hub with gathering and meeting spaces, and inter-building connectivity. 

“The upgrades to the Chandler Sports Precinct will guarantee a continuation of the proud 45-year history of swimming at this venue for decades to come,” Swimming Queensland CEO Kevin Hasemann said. 

“The Chandler Sports Precinct is about creating a positive legacy that will benefit local kids, aspiring athletes, community clubs, residents and visitors in the decades to come,” Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said. 

“The Chandler precinct has been home to some wonderful sporting legends and achievements over many years – the likes of Olympians Susie O’Niell and Anna Meares and Paralympians Chris Bull and Ella Sabljak. 

“Now is the time to revitalise the complex, its facilities, and surrounds, to support the next generation of sporting success,” Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris said. 

The significant investment for the Chandler Sports Precinct is jointly committed by the Australian and Queensland Governments, through the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program. 

The Chandler Sports Precinct upgrade is anticipated to support 210 jobs during its construction phase. 

Tenders for the new Indoor Sport Centre is already out to market, while the tenders for the Brisbane Aquatic Centre is due to be released next year. 

“New and upgraded facilities at the Chandler Sports Precinct are an investment in lasting benefits for local communities both before and after the Games. 

“The Australian Government is working closely with our state government partners to deliver venues that reflect the needs of a global event while providing sporting facilities for our communities now and in the future. 

“The new Indoor Sports Centre will be a game-changer for several sports, and is part of a suite of new or upgraded venues to be delivered in Queensland to support the growing population and deliver a successful Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

“Our investment in this precinct isn’t just about 2032, it’s also about securing an Olympic legacy for the decades that follow the events that will take place here at Chandler in just over eight years’ time. 

“The Albanese Government is proud to be playing its part as our state builds the essential infrastructure projects required to host the Olympics and keep up with Queensland’s growing population,” Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said. 

Artist impression of the new Indoor Sports Centre (source: Queensland Government)

A quarter of the projects under the Minor Venues Program will be out to market in the coming months – with more than eight years out from the Games. Almost half of these projects are due to be out by the end of 2024. This work will soon transfer to the new independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority. 

The Australian and Queensland Governments is committed to sourcing about 30 per cent of procurement from Queensland SMEs for the Minor Venues Program as well as targets for 10 to 15 per cent of all work hours on the projects to be undertaken by apprentices or trainees. 

“In the past few weeks, we have put details of more than a quarter of a billion dollars of tenders supporting 1,000 jobs in the market, passed legislation to establish an independent delivery authority, and appointed Emma Thomas as its interim CEO. 

“We are going to put on a great Games, under the IOC New Norms, that will leave a lasting legacy in communities right across the state,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

“We’re still more than eight years out from the Games and we’re already getting ready to deliver sports facilities that will be in community use well before our international guests arrive. 

“The new Indoor Sports Centre, Brisbane Aquatic Centre upgrades, and the precinct works will see the Chandler Precinct underline its status as Queensland’s biggest and most diverse multi-sports hubs for both community and elite-level sports,” QLD Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Q2032; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government