As Brisbane gears up for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city is not only preparing for a global event but also laying the foundation for long-term urban revitalisation. At the heart of this effort is the promise to deliver thousands of new homes in conjunction with Olympic infrastructure, creating a lasting legacy that addresses both short-term and long-term housing demands.
The Brisbane City Council, alongside the Queensland Government, has announced plans to build over 12,000 residential units as part of the Northshore Vision 2050. This ambitious $6 billion project will see the transformation of Northshore Hamilton into a thriving residential and commercial hub, making it a focal point for post-Games development (Ministry of Sport, 2024).

Northshore Hamilton will undergo a transformation to become the Athletes Village for the 2032 Olympics, later transitioning into a vibrant residential community with diverse housing options
The 2032 Olympic Games as a Catalyst for Housing Growth
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games represent a unique opportunity to reshape the city’s urban landscape. One of the standout projects is the Athletes' Village, which will initially house over 10,000 athletes during the Games and later be converted into a vibrant community with a blend of affordable and market-rate housing (Ministry of Sport, 2024). This transition from a temporary structure to a permanent residential community is a key example of how Olympic infrastructure can benefit the city long after the event concludes.
Additionally, the government plans to develop further housing options around Olympic venues, creating new urban precincts that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The Northshore Vision 2050 project, for instance, aims to develop a mixed-use precinct that includes not just housing, but also cultural and enterprise zones, hotels, restaurants, and leisure amenities, all of which will contribute to Brisbane’s long-term economic and social development (Ministry of Sport, 2024).

The Brisbane Athlete Village at Northshore Hamilton will house over 10,000 athletes during the 2032 Olympic Games, transforming into a diverse residential community post-Games, offering affordable and market-rate housing.
Brisbane’s Zoning and Urban Planning Initiatives
To support the housing boom leading up to the 2032 Games, Brisbane City Council has introduced new zoning initiatives to fast-track development approvals and ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with the city’s growing population. These plans are aligned with Brisbane's Inner City Strategy, which focuses on encouraging higher-density residential development in inner-city areas while maintaining the balance between livability and urban expansion (Brisbane City Council, 2024).
The Council has also emphasised sustainable urban growth, encouraging developers to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their designs. This includes the development of green spaces, energy-efficient housing, and sustainable water management systems. Zoning amendments and government incentives have been put in place to facilitate these sustainable projects, ensuring that new housing developments align with Brisbane’s long-term environmental goals (Brisbane City Council, 2024).
Government Support and Financial Incentives for Developers
The Queensland Government has introduced several key incentives to encourage developers to get involved in the Olympic housing initiatives. These include:
Sustainability and Green Building Grants: Developers who incorporate sustainable design elements such as energy-efficient buildings, green rooftops, and renewable energy sources can access financial grants and rebates (Brisbane City Council, 2024; Ministry of Sport, 2024). Stay tuned for our next blog article which will further explore the balance between sustainable design and profitability.
Reduced Infrastructure Charges: For developments that contribute to Brisbane’s long-term housing needs, particularly in growth areas like Northshore Hamilton, the government has introduced infrastructure charge relief programs to reduce upfront costs for developers (Ministry of Sport, 2024).
Fast-Track Approvals: The Brisbane City Council is offering expedited planning and development approvals for projects that contribute to the housing supply in key Olympic precincts (Brisbane City Council, 2024). This allows developers to bring projects to market faster and minimizes delays in the lead-up to the Games.
Benefits of the New Housing Initiatives
The housing developments associated with the 2032 Olympic Games provide more than just short-term accommodations for athletes—they offer long-lasting benefits for the city and its residents:
Affordable Housing: A significant portion of the new homes being developed will focus on affordability, ensuring that Brisbane can meet the needs of its growing population, including young families, professionals, and low-income earners (Ministry of Sport, 2024).
Sustainable Communities: Brisbane is prioritising the development of sustainable urban communities. From energy-efficient buildings to green spaces and public transport connectivity, the new housing developments will reflect the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship (Ministry of Sport, 2024).
Increased Livability: By integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, the new developments aim to enhance the quality of life for Brisbane’s residents. Projects like Northshore Hamilton will feature vibrant communities with access to world-class amenities, public transport, and green spaces, creating a balanced urban lifestyle (Ministry of Sport, 2024).

An aerial view of the proposed Northshore Hamilton development for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. This site will serve as the Athlete Village during the Games and will later transform into a mixed-use urban precinct, featuring residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, creating a sustainable community along the Brisbane River.
Capitalising on the Opportunity
For developers, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a key role in shaping the city’s future. By getting involved in the Olympic-driven housing projects, developers can benefit from government incentives, prime land opportunities, and the chance to create legacy housing solutions that will serve Brisbane for decades to come.
Developments like the Athletes’ Village and the Northshore Hamilton precinct are just the beginning. With Brisbane’s population expected to continue growing well beyond 2032, the demand for well-designed, sustainable housing will only increase, ensuring long-term profitability for developers who invest now.
A Legacy for Brisbane’s Future
As Brisbane prepares to welcome the world for the 2032 Olympic Games, the city is also setting the stage for long-term growth and urban revitalisation. The new homes promised in conjunction with Olympic infrastructure are not just temporary solutions—they are part of a broader vision for a more sustainable, livable Brisbane.
At Ivory Collective, we are excited to be a part of how these developments will shape the future of our city. By prioritising sustainable design, affordability, and community well-being, Brisbane is building a legacy that will last well beyond 2032.
Written by Sarah Porter - Founder at Ivory Collective
Sources:
Brisbane City Council. (2024). Brisbane’s Inner City Strategy. [online] Available at: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-guidelines-and-tools/brisbanes-inner-city-strategy [Accessed 17 Sep. 2024].
Ministry of Sport. (2024). $6 Billion Northshore Plan to Address Brisbane 2032 Olympic Infrastructure. [online] Available at: https://ministryofsport.com.au/northshore-plan-brisbane-2032/ [Accessed 17 Sep. 2024].
Northshore Brisbane. (2021). Northshore Hamilton Olympic Transformation. [online] Available at: https://northshorebrisbane.com.au [Accessed 17 Sep. 2024].
Queensland Government. (2024). Brisbane Athlete Village Concept. [online] Available at: https://q2032.au/plans/venues-and-villages/brisbane-athlete-village [Accessed 17 Sep. 2024].
The Urban Developer. (2024). Brisbane Athlete Village Contract Awarded. [online] Available at: https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-games-athletes-village [Accessed 17 Sep. 2024].
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