A rippled roofline that reflects the wind and water has been unveiled as the standout feature of a new aquatic centre that will serve as the main swimming venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has announced the appointment of ARM Architecture and NH Architecture in partnership with Queensland-based Arkhefield as principal architects to deliver the new National Aquatic Centre in Victoria Park.

GIICA has also released the first look at the centre’s design concept.

Set to open for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, the new centre will serve as the main aquatic venue for the Games.

It will host swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming.

The centre will be constructed at Victoria Park, next to the site of the existing Centenary Pool.

A key feature of the design concept involves a floating roof that will stretch across the centre.

This will take on a rippled form that will reflect movement of wind and water and allow natural light and ventilation through the facility.

Other features of the current design include:

  • A tiered structure down the southern ridge that will preserve surrounding parkland whilst opening the building to light, breeze and greenery.
  • Major facilities including three new covered competition pools, a gym, high-performance rooms and administration spaces. These will complement the three existing outdoor pools which currently sit within the heritage-listed Centenary Pool complex.
  • Capacity of up to 25,000 people for the Games as well as a legacy capacity of 8,000.

According to GIICA, the selected design team is well experienced in delivering major sporting and cultural venues.

ARM delivered Perth’s RAC Arena and the redevelopment of Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall.

Meanwhile, NH Architecture has reimagined and delivered one of the nation’s best sport and entertainment precincts over the past decade in Melbourne Park.

It is also delivering the redevelopment of Arts Centre Melbourne.

Finally, Arkhefield is behind South Bank’s River Quay quarter and the current Waterfront Brisbane development.

GIICA will take possession of Centenary Pool and surrounding areas from 1 September 2026 in order to deliver the new facility.

Early works are expected to begin later this year, with construction planned to commence in 2027 as design development continues.

The Centre is one of 17 new and upgraded venues which are being delivered by GIICA as part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

The latest development follows last week’s announcement that BMD Construction has been appointed to undertake early works for the Brisbane Stadium, which is also being constructed at Victoria Park.

The stadium will host the opening and closing ceremony for the Games and will serve as the main venue for the event.

In a statement, GIICA Chairman Stephen Conroy AM congratulated the successful tenderers for the aquatic centre on their chosen design concept.

“The opportunity to create an iconic design that showcased Australia’s obsession with swimming and aquatic sports really captured the imagination of some of the country’s most talented architecture teams, and the quality of the design concepts submitted was truly impressive,” Conry said in a statement.

“Ultimately, it was ARM Architecture, NH Architecture and Arkhefield’s design for a Centre inspired by the movement of water, cleverly positioned into the landscape, that we felt best reflected the natural beauty of Brisbane.

“The design not only complements the beauty of a restored Centenary Pool – it ensures the heritage-listed design is a centrepiece of the complex.

“It is a truly Queensland design and will integrate superbly with its neighbour, the new Brisbane Stadium, to create a seamless, uplifting experience for visitors and athletes across both venues within Victoria Park.

ARM Architecture director Andrew Hayne, who is leading the architect partnership, said that the design’s connection to water is provides a genuine Queensland feel.

“Queenslanders have a real connection to the water. Whether you’re chasing Olympic gold or teaching your kids to swim, this place should feel welcoming and inspiring from the moment you arrive,” Hayne said.

“The rippling plinth and floating roof reflect the movement of water, but the design is ultimately about place. It’s architecture shaped by Brisbane’s landscape, subtropical climate and natural environment.”