Greg Hankinson , Director - Metropole Constructions
The Queensland Government has approved changes to the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA) Development Scheme, setting the stage for significant housing growth in the Gabba Entertainment Precinct.
With up to 16,000 new homes now on the table, the Gabba Entertainment Precinct is set to become one of the city’s most transformative urban renewal zones.
For builders, the revised scheme signals a shift toward more responsive, market-aligned development. By removing layers of red tape and embracing a performance-based planning approach, the government has opened the door to faster approvals, greater design flexibility, and improved project feasibility. This is a welcome change for an industry grappling with rising costs and constrained supply pipelines.
Woolloongabba’s location – bordering the CBD, Southbank, Kangaroo Point, and major hospitals – makes it a prime candidate for high-density, transit-oriented living. The integration with the new Cross River Rail station further enhances its appeal, positioning the precinct as a future-proofed hub for residential growth.
For investors, the timing couldn’t be better. Backed by a $5.6 billion commitment to housing and a $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, the government’s broader strategy aims to deliver one million homes by 2044. The Gabba precinct is a key piece of that puzzle, offering long-term value in a market where demand continues to outpace supply.
Industry leaders have welcomed the move, citing improved feasibility and a genuine willingness from government to engage with developers. The updated scheme reflects a more collaborative, solutions-focused mindset and it’s one that prioritizes outcomes over bureaucracy.
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics and beyond, Woolloongabba is no longer just a stadium suburb. It’s emerging as a legacy precinct – one that could redefine inner-city living for generations to come.
