Building the next chapter of the Brisbane Showgrounds

Preparing the precinct for its next 150 years

Date

September 2026

For 150 years, the Brisbane Showgrounds have been where Queensland comes to celebrate its farms, food and people. Works have now started on the Main Arena upgrade, which will prepare the precinct for its next 150 years.

In September 2026, the RNA held a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of main works on the Brisbane Showgrounds revitalisation. It was a milestone moment for the precinct, and it came in the same year the RNA celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Why the upgrade is needed

The Main Arena is where the Ekka happens and where many other major events are held throughout the year. Ageing infrastructure and limited accessibility meant the arena needed renewal to keep serving visitors, competitors and event operators well into the future.

Machinery Hill is a clear example. The Cattleman's Bar, one of the Ekka's best-known venues, has been closed since 2023 because of the ageing structure.

What’s being built?

A new Machinery Hill grandstand
Non-heritage sections of Machinery Hill will be demolished and replaced by a new grandstand overlooking the Main Arena. It will form part of a permanent seating bowl with an increased number of seats.

A new multi-storey horse pavilion
The pavilion will sit next to the new grandstand and give competitors direct access to the Main Arena, which will improve safety for riders and horses. It has also been designed for use outside the Ekka.

Restored heritage grandstands
The State Heritage-listed Ernest Baynes and John MacDonald grandstands will be restored, with new accessible seating and better access throughout.

Restored heritage stables
The heritage-listed horse stables along Gregory Terrace will also be restored.

The return of two much-loved bars
The project will allow the RNA to bring back reimagined versions of the Cattleman's Bar and the Stockmen's Bar and Grill.

Keeping the show on the road

One of the biggest challenges on this project is that the Showgrounds keep running while it's being built. The works have been staged around the annual Ekka and year-round events, and temporary seating will be used for the 2027 Ekka while the new grandstand is under construction.

Heritage works add another layer. New structures have to be built next to heritage-listed grandstands and stables, so every interface needs careful planning and close coordination with heritage advisers and authorities.

Looking towards 2032 and beyond

The upgrade is part of the Queensland Government's investment in infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The completed arena will give Brisbane a larger, more accessible inner-city venue for major events before, during and after the Games.

RCP's role

RCP is providing project management and programming services on the Main Arena upgrade for the RNA. The work includes procurement strategy, contract administration, stakeholder engagement and master programming, as well as managing the interfaces between heritage assets, new works and ongoing events.

We're working with the RNA, Hutchinson Builders, Populous and the wider project team. The RCP team includes Greg Atkinson, Sam Davidson, Amanda Bone, Mario Youssef, Nick Craven and Sophia Zervaas.

Major works are now underway, and completion is expected in 2028

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