With ten years until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the region has a decade to prepare for not only four weeks of incredible sporting performances, but a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a lasting infrastructure legacy for South-east Queensland. At a Property Council event this week, business, sporting and political leaders were encouraged to “be bold”, as they walk the “Green and Gold runway” to 2032.
So, what positive impacts are possible and what can we learn from previous hosting cities?
It might help to look at London who is on the other side of the equation, about to celebrate the end of its first-post Olympic decade.
Justin Davies, Director of Operations, Lendlease Development (pictured above) told a crowd at a recent Property Council event that prior to returning to Brisbane in 2021, he spent several years in London where he was responsible for the development and performance of Lendlease’s UK urban regeneration portfolio.
“Throughout this double golden decade, Lendlease has participated in the growth of London, partnering with government and community to develop city shaping projects that were conceived pre-Olympics and continue to deliver on that legacy today,” he said.
“The prospect of the Games has afforded London and its residents with new sporting facilities, led to major infrastructure improvements, with transport for London investing $6.5b GPB in its transport network in preparations for the games.
“London’s already extensive rail network was upgraded to enable the hosting of the 33 venues in the UKs capital.
“This transport investment not only provided ease of access but also accelerated regeneration projects in existing areas, bringing to life opportunity for new residential, commercial and innovation precincts and increased connectivity of pedestrian and cycle routes.
“For Brisbane, it is without a doubt that Cross River Rail will become the critical puzzle piece that connects our city together in time for 2032.”
Davies said the ten-year anniversary of the London Olympics provides an opportunity to reflect on the significant urbanisation and transformation that has occurred across several precincts since that incredible summer in 2012.
“Investment in infrastructure continues to promote new precincts across London including Silvertown, Euston, Thamesmead,” he said.
“Preparing for the Olympic Games can be a catalyst, accelerating urban development and regeneration projects for a city.
“For London it was Elephant Park (pictured top of article), conceived pre-Games and benefited from the growth of London in the decade post and continues to deliver today.”
As London celebrates its final year of post-decade grandeur, Brisbane is just getting started, and it an opportunity we must get on top off and not become complacent, according to Davies.
“We are afforded the opportunity to address major city shaping transformation, that tackles affordable housing challenges and identifies the opportunities for urbanisation that aligns with the investment in infrastructure needed for 2031.
“The whole world comes together for the Games, play by the same rules, honouring the same Olympic spirit.”
Davies said the 2032 Olympics should be notable for another type of collaboration.
“We believe collaborating with partners in Government and local communities across the world on projects gives us the best chance to solve the problems of today whilst delivering a long-term social legacy,” he said.
“Over the next decade we must continue to work together to keep up with changing consumer priorities, technological advancements, and the increasing pressures of climate change. As with the Olympics, when we look to solve these challenges together, we can have a much more significant impact.”