Since opening its doors 40 years ago, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall has played host to everything from rock concerts, to basketball, to Disney on Ice.
The iconic venue has been tapped to host the European handball in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, but beyond that, what does the future hold for the site jokingly referred to as “the swamp”?
State Member for Sandgate, Bisma Asif, said the government had not yet revealed any concrete plans for the site, but she was firm in her belief that community consultation was essential.
“We’re not seeing anything specifically about the Olympic legacy for the northside from the government at the moment, there’s a focus on the stadiums, and on what’s happening in regional Queensland,” she said.
“We do need a comprehensive plan, and we need some transparency around that.
“I will be pushing for community consultation and to protect the environment of that site. We want any development done in a way that is appropriate.”
In recent years, the Entertainment Centre became a vaccination hub during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during Cyclone Alfred in 2025, the carpark was a hub for residents filling sandbags.
After the Games, the privately built Gabba Arena will become Brisbane’s new premier indoor venue, leaving the 64-hectare Boondall site open for change.
However, the Boondall Wetlands, part of the site, are listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international significance, limiting any potential development.
Local Residents Have Their Say
A post on the Boondall Community Facebook page last year prompted some debate among locals as to the future of the Entertainment Centre.
“Plenty of space in the carpark and entertainment centre itself for residential infrastructure. Maybe just improve the walkways to the train station and add a few more services,” posted one resident.
Other residents were not as positive, saying, “There will be no open space or nature left in Boondall soon” and “So many memories of concerts, entertainment, goodwill games & many more. Sad to see it go”.
Ms Asif said whatever was planned for the area, she would be advocating for community-led change.
“It’s a crucial part of the northside and an iconic Brisbane venue,” she said. “We want local residents to have their say.”
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