Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said that the project was demonstrative of the potential that Cross River Rail has to transform Brisbane.

“Brisbane Live is a proposal for a 17,000 seat world class entertainment arena, similar to the LA Live complex, which would become Queensland’s premier entertainment venue hosting international live entertainment and world class sporting events,” Ms Trad said.

“Brisbane Live is a very exciting proposal that will deliver decades of economic and employment opportunities in what is an underused part of the city.

“But it’s also a transformative project for SEQ and the whole of Queensland, drawing in tourist dollars, and ensuring our great state does not miss out on world class events.

“It’s exciting to see an internationally-renowned company like AEG Ogden get on board because they can see the potential here once Cross River Rail is up and running and providing turn-up-and-go trains right to the door of a future arena.

“If you build it they will come and that’s what’s happening with Cross River Rail.

“The Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall opened in February 1986, when Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean dazzled the audience, and it has served Queensland fantastically since then by welcoming 20,423,938 visitors. 

“But given how significantly the entertainment sector is shifting, it’s important that Queensland keeps pace with other Australian cities and our global competitors.

“With the Federal Budget to be handed down this week I’m calling on Malcolm Turnbull and the LNP to put funding on the table for Cross River Rail and to stop short-changing Queensland on this critical project.

“It’s changing our city already and it would be a massive opportunity missed for the Commonwealth Government to not support this project.”

Harvey Lister of AEG Ogden said he was proud to be partnering with the Government in the development of the business case under an Early Operator Engagement agreement, utilising AEG Ogden’s unique market expertise.

“We’re thrilled the Queensland Government has engaged AEG Ogden under an Early Operator Engagement agreement with Cross River Rail Delivery Authority. As a proud Queensland company, AEG Ogden has confirmed its commitment to this project by offering to provide access to the extensive work we have already undertaken for the development of the Roma Street precinct, and our expert advice and information into the Business Case for no fee,” Mr Lister said.

“Brisbane Live will deliver much needed economic development and employment opportunities, virtually unprecedented urban renewal, and be a showpiece venue for the entire State.

“Having a centrepiece world class arena means we are better placed to attract world class acts.

“Our decades of experience puts us in a unique position to help ensure Brisbane Live is developed in a way that properly considers all of the important elements from arena design, operations and technical specifications that would make it a success and deliver value-for-money.”

The business case is expected to take approximately 6 months to complete and will assist the Queensland Government in determining whether value-for-money can be achieved by developing the Brisbane Live proposal.

The business case will be jointly prepared by Building Queensland and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (the Delivery Authority), which is doing the master planning work for the Roma St precinct.

The Delivery Authority will invest $5 million in the development of a detailed business case which will examine construction cost, economic benefits, delivery and procurement options.

See also:

Sunshine Coast's Badderam Eco Resort receives green light

Brisbane's Eagle Street Pier $1.4bn Dexus upgrade

Brisbane's Emporium Hotel South Bank set to open in July