Brisbane 2032 Olympic Countdown and National Aquatic Centre Design Unveiled

A giant OMEGA countdown clock was installed in Brisbane's Queen Street Mall, marking the start of a six‑year countdown to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Games President Andrew Liveris said the clock signals a "once‑in‑a‑generation" opportunity and will become a lasting city landmark.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) announced that the design team for the new National Aquatic Centre has been selected. ARM Architecture, NH Architecture and Queensland‑based Arkhefield will lead the project, supported by aquatic specialist Liquid Blu. Their winning concept features a flowing roof inspired by water, integrates the heritage‑listed Centenary Pool and will deliver a main competition arena, secondary arena, three covered pools, high‑performance training facilities and community spaces. The centre will host elite competition and serve as a training hub for Australian athletes.

Early works on the Brisbane Stadium have been awarded to BMD, covering earthworks, drainage and logistics infrastructure, with a focus on Indigenous trainee pathways. GIICA has shortlisted four contractors for the Aquatic Centre construction, with offers due soon and a final builder expected by early 2027. Premier David Crisafulli and GIICA chair Stephen Conry praised the projects as pivotal to the Games legacy.