The Gabba Archives - Greenslopes News

Luxury Developer Commits $60M to Transform Prime Woolloongabba Sites

A prominent luxury apartment developer has recently allocated a whopping $60 million towards the acquisition of prime sites in Woolloongabba, with a vision of constructing residential buildings that will accommodate thousands of residents.

Read: This Woolloongabba Redevelopment Will Add a New Hyatt Place With Striking Rooftop ‘Nest’

Sarazin, currently based at Chifley Square in Sydney, currently controls a parcel of land spanning nearly 1.4 hectares along a stretch of Wellington Rd. Situated between Overend and Hampton streets, it’s considered as one of Woolloongabba’s prime sites.

The developer has submitted a development application for two 20-storey residential towers at 6-18 Wellington Rd, which will offer a total of 368 apartments. Designed by Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects, the ground floors of each building will provide space for seven retail tenancies.

Woolloongabba's prime sites — Photo credit: Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects

The properties, which are included in the Woolloongabba Centre neighbourhood plan, enjoy the advantage of having dual street frontage along Wellington Rd and Nile St, providing convenient access to important road networks.

Then, as part of a $7 billion funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal governments, Sarazin is also undertaking a three-stage apartment project situated across from the Gabba. The existing structure will be completely demolished and rebuilt.

In 2022, the first stage of the project, called “Silk,” was successfully completed on a 6,381 sqm site located on Stanley Street.

A real estate agent noted that the resurgence of large-scale apartment projects is a direct response to the current supply and demand dynamics, highlighting that there is a pressing rental crisis in the city and people require suitable housing options.

The Gabba, in particular, is highly desirable due to the upcoming Olympics and related infrastructure developments.

Read: 3-Hour Street Parking Limit, Resident Parking Permits Could be Adopted in Greenslopes

A significant redevelopment project is underway at the Gabba Stadium, which will undergo a complete demolition and subsequent reconstruction in preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Published 11-May-2023

First Ashes Test 2021: Event Details to be Announced

Photo credit: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)/Facebook

The First Test of the 2021-22 Ashes cricket series could be moved from the Gabba to Sydney Cricket Ground, as part of Cricket Australia’s plan to ensure the bigger grounds for the series.

Historically, the Brisbane Cricket Ground has staged 18 out of 19 opening tests for the Ashes series since 1988. The only time it didn’t was during 1982/83 when Bob Willis’ men played the first Test at the WACA Ground in Perth.

The Ashes Series will be a five-match test cricket series between Australia and England. Held every two years, the latest event will be held from 22 November 2021 to 14 January 2022.

Read: The Gabba To Undergo Makeover in Time for First 2021 Ashes Test Hosting

In 2019, the Palaszczuk Government announced that it will allocate $35 million to refurbish the public, corporate and media facilities at the Gabba. The refurbishment was also part of the government’s preparations for the T20 2020 World Cup.

“From a fan and spectator perspective, we understand there is more work to be done to improve The Gabba facilities and that will include utilisation of revenue from any upcoming naming or management rights deal,” said Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni.

The Gabba has 42,000 capacity whilst the Sydney Cricket Ground, located in Moore Park can accommodate a bit more with its 48,000 capacity. Aside from hosting international cricket, SCG is home to top-flight AFL team, the Sydney Swans.

Update as per 26th March 2021

Cricket Australia, CATO and International Cricket Tours will delay the release of tickets and travel packages for the upcoming Ashes series, given Australia’s current border closures and the level of uncertainty that will continue to exist for a number of months.

“Of course, these are uncertain times and we’ll be busy preparing our plans to ensure you are protected and safe. All bookings currently come with full financial protection and a money-back guarantee to give you peace of mind,” International Cricket Tours stated.

For further details on the final venue and when tickets will be available, kindly visit Cricket Australia’s website.

The Gabba To Undergo Makeover in Time for First 2021 Ashes Test Hosting

The Gabba will undergo a major upgrade, thanks to the infusion of $35 million worth of funding by the State Government, in time for its hosting of the First Test of the 2021-22 Ashes cricket series against England.

“The Palaszczuk Government knows that sport is a language spoken by all Queenslanders,” Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said during his announcement of the State Government’s 2019-20 budget for sports and recreation.

“Which is why this funding will support sports players from local volunteer-run community clubs, to our elite world-renowned venues.

“We are investing $40 million in at least 150 community infrastructure projects across the state, as well as $12 million to unlock school sporting facilities for community use.

“The Gabba will also receive $35 million to refurbish public, corporate and media facilities while we ensure our next T20 2020 World Cup players, Olympians and Paralympians are brought up and supported with $44.5 million for sporting excellence.

“All up, this $506.4 million three-year commitment is part of our $1.3 billion 10-year plan to shape the future of sport and recreation in Queensland,” said Mr de Brenni.

First Ashes Test 2021-22 at the Gabba

Cricket Australia through its CEO Kevin Roberts recently confirmed that the Gabba will host the first Test of the 2021-22 Ashes series.

“Nothing excites Australian cricket fans like an Ashes series on home soil and the upgrades to the Gabba will ensure that in hosting the first test of the Ashes series in 2021-22, fans in Queensland will get the first opportunity to enjoy world-class cricket while experiencing the upgraded facilities,” Mr Roberts said.

The announcement means that Australia will continue its unbeaten test run at the Gabba. Australia’s current record at the Gabba is at 30 Tests, unbeaten since 1988, which is the longest active streak in world cricket.

Enhanced Experience at the Gabba

“Whether fans turned up to The Gabba to cheer on the Australian test team or the Heat, or in their Lions jersey, this upgrade will enhance every second of the action,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Entry through turn-styles will be quicker and easier, and with upgraded TVs throughout the stadium you won’t miss a second of the action when you visit the new bars and food outlets.

“With these upgrades, and Australia’s unbeaten record here at The Gabba I’m sure the Ashes Test will be an unforgettable one for fans,” Mr de Brenni added.

The Gabba Stadium to Get a Boost from Upcoming Cross River Rail Project

The Gabba stadium is set to benefit from the upcoming Cross River Rail Project which will redevelop the Woolloongabba precinct.

In 2018, the Department of Housing and Public Works established the Stadium Taskforce to review the pricing and practices of Stadiums Queensland.

Stadiums Queensland currently manages, operates, and promotes the use of nine major Queensland facilities. This includes the Gabba and Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

When it comes to the Gabba stadium, Stadium Taskforce’s final report says, “The introduction of a Cross River Rail station immediately adjacent to the Gabba will provide an unmatched opportunity to significantly improve accessibility and connectivity for the Gabba venue and precinct.”

Stadium Taskforce’s Recommendations for the Gabba

Moreover, Minister for Sports Mick de Brenni has already asked Stadiums Queensland to consider strategies recommended by the Taskforce. This is to improve the fan experience at major stadiums and venues.

Stadium Taskforce’s recommendations for the Gabba include the following:

The government put out to tender the management rights for the Gabba if it is cost effective to do so, to be undertaken on the basis of no frontline job losses.
The naming rights for the stadium be put out to tender, subject to retaining Gabba in the stadium name.
Fast track the consolidation of ownership of assets adjacent to the stadium to provide a once off opportunity to develop a seamless major entry and activation point for the Gabba.
That land declared under the MSF Act may be used for commercial outcomes by SQ or leaseholders, where a compatible social or community benefit can be demonstrated.
Enhancements to the Gabba be made in conjunction with stadium access improvements delivered through the Cross River Rail project and any potential 2032 Olympic bid.
DTMR to upgrade all Traffic Management Plans to ensure consistency with the principles-based Traffic Management Plan framework.

Furthermore, Mr de Brenni said that the Taskforce report is one of the steps in the precinct redevelopment of Woolloongabba. It will be in conjunction with Cross River Rail and Queensland’s first ever build-to-rent scheme development.

“Cross River Rail will deliver new and exciting opportunities for the Gabba and will unlock the potential to reinvent the stadium to improve fan experience and keep its place as an internationally renowned venue.”

“The Stadium Taskforce Report backs this in and the government is already working on the recommendations relating to naming rights and management rights,” Mr de Brenni said.