Developers target large-scale land near major sporting precincts
With billions being poured into infrastructure across Queensland and Brisbane gearing up for the 2032 Olympic Games, developers are homing in on sites near major sporting precincts.
In a state where game day is part of everyday life, living within walking distance of stadiums and entertainment hubs has become an increasingly attractive proposition for buyers. However, these prime parcels of land have become a rarity.
“Opportunities to secure development sites of scale near major sporting precincts are exceptionally limited,” Colliers Queensland residential director Adam Rubie said.
“With billions of dollars of public and private investment pouring into these hubs, developers are scrambling to position themselves to capitalise on unprecedented infrastructure-led growth and soaring population demand.”
Rubie added that today’s buyer is no longer just seeking a home, but is chasing a particular lifestyle.
“Proximity to iconic sporting and entertainment precincts delivers exactly that, transforming these areas into buzzing, mixed-use communities where people want to live, work and play,” he said.
While large-scale sites near sporting facilities are rare, there are currently three across Queensland available for redevelopment into top residential precincts.
“Land of this size and calibre in these locations is tightly held and fiercely contested,” said Rubie.
“For developers, securing a site like this is a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver landmark residential projects in the city’s most high-profile, fast-growing corridors.”
Living next door to the Titans
On the Gold Coast, one of the last significant development sites within Robina’s CBD has been brought to market, offering a rare opportunity to deliver a large-scale residential project within walking distance to the home of the National Rugby League’s Gold Coast Titans.
The 1.44-hectare holding at 5–8 Stadium Drive comprises four freehold sites adjacent to CBUS Super Stadium, allowing new residents to hear the roar of the crowd from their balconies.
The property carries development approval for 300 apartments across two eight-level towers and has been earmarked for a build-to-rent project.
Colliers director residential Brendan Hogan said the site’s proximity to major infrastructure and lifestyle amenities was already generating strong early interest.
“The site is located close to CBUS Super Stadium, Robina Train Station, Robina Hospital and Robina Town Centre, as well as the newly constructed 22-hectare Greenheart Parklands, which makes it appealing to a wide audience,” he said.
The existing approval provides a clear pathway for developers to move forward immediately, while the scale of the landholding across four titles also offers flexibility.
“We have already fielded several preliminary inquiries from potential buyers who recognise the strategic and unique nature of this site,” Hogan said.
Brisbane Racecourse beckons
In Brisbane’s tightly held inner north, a 5.56-hectare infill site neighbouring the Doomben Racecourse precinct is offering a top development opportunity.
Located at 112 Raceview Avenue in Hendra, the site benefits from development approval for a 66-lot residential subdivision, with lot sizes ranging from 400 square metres to 736 square metres.
As one of the last remaining large-scale landholdings in the suburb, the listing is expected to attract strong interest.
“Opportunities of this scale and quality in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held desirable, family-oriented suburbs are as rare as it gets,” Hogan said.
“This is one of the last significant infill landholdings in a suburb where new supply is rare, yet buyer demand remains exceptionally strong.”
Located just seven kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, Hendra has long been regarded as one of the city’s most desirable suburbs, with not only proximity to the city but key lifestyle hubs including Doomben and Eagle Farm racecourses, Racecourse Road’s dining precinct and Portside Wharf.
The median house price for a three-bedroom abode in the suburb is now $1.8 million, reflecting its blue-ribbon status.
“With a Development Approval already secured, the project offers a clear pathway to deliver a boutique, high-quality residential community in a high-demand premium suburb,” Rubie said.
Prime position next to ‘The Gabba’
Closer to Brisbane’s CBD, a development site at 118 Logan Road in Woolloongabba dubbed The Woolloongabba Collective places developers at the doorstep of one of the city’s most significant long-term infrastructure and lifestyle transformations.
The site represents the largest undeveloped landholding in Woolloongabba, spanning 10,336 square metres with development potential of up to 35 storeys (STCA).
Located near “The Gabba”, where punters gather to watch the cricket and AFL – along with upcoming sessions for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – living within walking distance to some of the major sporting events in Brisbane is a dream come true for sports fans.
