Latest news with #CommonwealthGames
Sydney Morning Herald
an hour ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Brisbane's abandoned 2032 Olympic Games
Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre Crisafulli was not the only premier to ignore the advice of a review he commissioned. Then-premier Steven Miles was widely criticised last year when he rejected the Quirk review's recommendation to build an Olympic stadium at Victoria Park and chose instead to host the Games' marquee events at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, formerly QEII Stadium. QSAC, which hosted the 1982 Commonwealth Games, would have been demolished to make way for a permanent, 14,000-seat athletics facility. Loading During the Olympics, temporary seating would have increased the capacity to 40,000 – the smallest Olympic stadium since Amsterdam 1928. All up, the project would have cost $1.6 billion – and that was before public transport improvements, which Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said would cost about $400 million, were factored in. The QSAC gambit received even more criticism last July, when this masthead revealed preliminary designs via a photocopied black-and-white image obtained via an earlier RTI application. Now, the high-resolution version can be revealed, along with a less fully formed concept that included a roof over all stands. The concepts are now moot, with Crisafulli accepting GIICA's recommendation that a stadium be built at Victoria Park, despite a pre-election promise that no new stadiums would be built for the Games. Crisafulli told the Property Council lunch on Tuesday that retaining QSAC would have been the 'politically convenient' choice for his new government. 'There is no way in God's name that to go and spend a bucketload of money on temporary stands at that venue would either be a legacy play, nor would it make us look like a grown-up, mature city when the eyes of the world are on us,' he said. 'So I took the decision that I would wear the political heat for it. I owned it and I have been genuinely heartened by people who have absorbed why the decision was taken.' The Miles government had planned to upgrade Suncorp Stadium ahead of Brisbane 2032 as the host venue for the opening and closing ceremonies. According to renders captured in this masthead's RTI request, those upgrades would not dramatically change the 52,500-seat venue, which was largely rebuilt more than 20 years ago. The upper corners would have been filled in with new screens, while a giant screen would have been installed overlooking the Caxton Street plaza outside the stadium. But while Suncorp Stadium upgrades no longer feature in the government's 2032 delivery plan, the upgrades could still be on the table. 'Suncorp Stadium is a world-class stadium, and we're not going to let it wither on the vine ahead of 2032,' Crisafulli said when he unveiled the Games delivery plan in March. 'It will continue to be a world-class stadium and we will invest in it.' Indoor Sports Centres Chandler's old outdoor velodrome was set to make way for an indoor sports centre as part of a $257 million overhaul of the erstwhile Commonwealth Games precinct before the 2032 Olympics. But the GIICA review found space constraints on the site would have added 'significant cost' to the project. 'While there is a strong legacy argument for developing an indoor sports centre at Chandler Sport Precinct, this is not an operationally viable option for Games time,' the GIICA report found. The planned Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre, near the outdoor stadium at Kawana, has been scrapped in favour of the planned Horizon Centre at Maroochydore. It was a reversal of a 2023 Palaszczuk government decision to go with the Kawana sports precinct, which would have been under construction this year. The proposal had the support of then-Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson and local sporting groups.
The Age
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Age
Brisbane's abandoned 2032 Olympic Games
Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre Crisafulli was not the only premier to ignore the advice of a review he commissioned. Then-premier Steven Miles was widely criticised last year when he rejected the Quirk review's recommendation to build an Olympic stadium at Victoria Park and chose instead to host the Games' marquee events at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, formerly QEII Stadium. QSAC, which hosted the 1982 Commonwealth Games, would have been demolished to make way for a permanent, 14,000-seat athletics facility. Loading During the Olympics, temporary seating would have increased the capacity to 40,000 – the smallest Olympic stadium since Amsterdam 1928. All up, the project would have cost $1.6 billion – and that was before public transport improvements, which Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said would cost about $400 million, were factored in. The QSAC gambit received even more criticism last July, when this masthead revealed preliminary designs via a photocopied black-and-white image obtained via an earlier RTI application. Now, the high-resolution version can be revealed, along with a less fully formed concept that included a roof over all stands. The concepts are now moot, with Crisafulli accepting GIICA's recommendation that a stadium be built at Victoria Park, despite a pre-election promise that no new stadiums would be built for the Games. Crisafulli told the Property Council lunch on Tuesday that retaining QSAC would have been the 'politically convenient' choice for his new government. 'There is no way in God's name that to go and spend a bucketload of money on temporary stands at that venue would either be a legacy play, nor would it make us look like a grown-up, mature city when the eyes of the world are on us,' he said. 'So I took the decision that I would wear the political heat for it. I owned it and I have been genuinely heartened by people who have absorbed why the decision was taken.' The Miles government had planned to upgrade Suncorp Stadium ahead of Brisbane 2032 as the host venue for the opening and closing ceremonies. According to renders captured in this masthead's RTI request, those upgrades would not dramatically change the 52,500-seat venue, which was largely rebuilt more than 20 years ago. The upper corners would have been filled in with new screens, while a giant screen would have been installed overlooking the Caxton Street plaza outside the stadium. But while Suncorp Stadium upgrades no longer feature in the government's 2032 delivery plan, the upgrades could still be on the table. 'Suncorp Stadium is a world-class stadium, and we're not going to let it wither on the vine ahead of 2032,' Crisafulli said when he unveiled the Games delivery plan in March. 'It will continue to be a world-class stadium and we will invest in it.' Indoor Sports Centres Chandler's old outdoor velodrome was set to make way for an indoor sports centre as part of a $257 million overhaul of the erstwhile Commonwealth Games precinct before the 2032 Olympics. But the GIICA review found space constraints on the site would have added 'significant cost' to the project. 'While there is a strong legacy argument for developing an indoor sports centre at Chandler Sport Precinct, this is not an operationally viable option for Games time,' the GIICA report found. The planned Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre, near the outdoor stadium at Kawana, has been scrapped in favour of the planned Horizon Centre at Maroochydore. It was a reversal of a 2023 Palaszczuk government decision to go with the Kawana sports precinct, which would have been under construction this year. The proposal had the support of then-Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson and local sporting groups.
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Siobhan Mackenzie named first Designer in Residence at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa has unveiled a dynamic new partnership with award-winning Scottish fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie, who joins the hotel as its first-ever Designer in Residence. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Honouring Scottish craftsmanship, design and style, Glasgow's only AA accredited five-star hotel has appointed Siobhan for the collaborative role, a partnership that will see the contemporary visionary work on exciting projects from the hotel while offering guests appointments. To mark the collaboration, and the launch of the creative partnership, the celebrated Scottish designer has created a custom Kimpton Blythswood Square tartan, which is now officially registered with Tartan Scotland and will soon start to appear within the hotel. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A striking visual tribute to the lush gardens of Blythswood Square – Glasgow's only green square – the tartan design draws inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding the hotel, while paying homage to the earthy garden tones woven with rich gold featured within Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa's signature branding. Siobhan's global clientele includes Jared Leto, Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, Traitors in the US and Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Games. Marcello Ventisei, General Manager, said: 'We are delighted to unveil this new innovative partnership with Siobhan – it's been fantastic following her creative process and vision for the collaboration. 'Siobhan's design style fuses Scottish heritage with contemporary influences — the same ethos that defines our hotel. That's why we wanted to give her another platform to showcase her incredible work while championing local and emerging talent from within the Scottish creative scene. 'Bringing the outdoors in is key to this project and Siobhan's designs capture the spirit of our square — contemporary yet rooted in history.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The partnership debuts with an exclusive exhibition titled 'A Journey Through Creation' in The Salon at Kimpton Blythswood Square, taking place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th June from 12pm-5pm. Siobhan launched her namesake label just five days after graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Fashion Design & Production. The exhibition showcases over 25 of Mackenzie's designs, tracing her creative journey from early inspirations to her most recent work. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the designer and enjoy drinks from the bar while browsing Siobhan's largest exhibition to date. Born and raised in the Highlands, Siobhan launched her namesake label just five days after graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Fashion Design & Production. Her innovative aesthetic blends modern tailoring with traditional Scottish craftsmanship and has earned her accolades and a global clientele that includes Jared Leto, Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, Traitors in the US and Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Games. Siobhan Mackenzie said: 'I'm so excited to begin this residency with Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa. The hotel is an icon of style and culture, and the tartan design represents a beautiful fusion of nature, heritage, and modern Scottish identity. 'Working with the team and having a base within the city is a true honour and I can't wait to unveil my next generation of designs from the elegant surroundings of the hotel.'
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Inspirational honorary graduates celebrated at Stirling University's summer graduation
Former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid, dedicated volunteer Lynda Morrison and events supremo Paul Bush OBE will receive honorary degrees Former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid, dedicated volunteer Lynda Morrison and events supremo Paul Bush OBE will receive honorary degrees at next week's summer graduation at Stirling University. Margot, a Swedish parliamentarian who pioneered the world's first feminist foreign policy and is a passionate advocate for the environment, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contribution to protecting the environment and championing women's rights at Wednesday's ceremony. Across her illustrious political career, Margot has held a number of senior roles including serving as the first ever Vice President of the European Commission, the first United Nations Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders Ministerial Initiative. The same day, Lynda Morrison, who has volunteered 20 years of her life to helping shape the delivery of social work and nursing education through the University of Stirling's Service User and Carer Group (UNITY), will receive an honorary Master of Arts degree. She will be recognised for her long and meritorious voluntary service to social work and social work education, and to improving the lives of service users nationally and internationally. The UNITY group, which Lynda was instrumental in setting up in 2005, has attracted national and international recognition for being one of the first to involve service users and carers in the design, development, and delivery of teaching to social work and nursing students. On Thursday, Paul Bush OBE, the former director of events for VisitScotland who played a vital role in bringing major spectacles including the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and UEFA Euro 2020 to Scotland, will receive an Honorary Doctorate. He will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to sport and to the events industry in the country. He is a previous chief executive of Scottish Swimming and, while in that role, worked closely with the University of Stirling in developing the state-of-the-art National Swimming Academy. Alongside the facility, he built a professional coaching and performance management structure for the sport which led to significant and continuing international success. Paul will be joined by Nicky Reid, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust, who will also be made a Doctor of the University for her outstanding contribution to charity and exceptional leadership qualities. Nicky achieved a Film, Media and Sociology degree from the University of Stirling in 2007 and went on to hold the position of Learning Centre Manager at Falkirk Football Club. Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: 'Summer graduation is always a special highlight in the university calendar, and we are delighted that those celebrating next week will be joined by four inspiring role models. 'Each of our honorary graduates has made a lasting impact in their fields, contributing in powerful and enduring ways to society. We are proud to recognise their achievements and know that they will be outstanding ambassadors for the University.'
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Business Standard
8 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Delhi to soon launch hot-air balloon rides at 2 locations: Check details
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is set to launch hot-air balloon rides at two landmark venues in the city in a bid to boost tourism and generate additional revenue. Officials confirmed the rides will be introduced at the Commonwealth Games Village complex near Akshardham and the Yamuna Sports Complex in Surajmal Vihar—two expansive sites developed ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games but underutilised in recent years. The locations were selected for their large open spaces and easy accessibility, according to a PTI report. Private operators to run services on revenue-sharing basis The DDA has issued tenders inviting private firms to operate the hot-air balloon services on a revenue-sharing model. According to the tender document: 'These sites will be offered for operation of hot-air ballooning on a revenue-sharing basis. The required area, approximately 60 metres by 60 metres at each site, will be provided to the firm as per mutually agreed timings and days.' Each selected operator will receive a 60-metre square launch area at both sites. The initial licence will be valid for three years, extendable to a maximum of nine years based on performance and public interest. Flexible operating hours, ticket pricing left to operators Under the current proposal, hot-air balloon flights will be allowed up to four hours per day, with the possibility of extending operating hours based on demand. While ticket prices will be set by the private operators, the DDA has asked firms to keep the fares 'reasonable' to ensure broad accessibility. To make the offering commercially viable, operators will also be permitted to display advertisements on the balloons—offering brands a high-visibility promotional opportunity while generating extra revenue. Know the locations: River views, sports heritage, and open skies Commonwealth Games Village (CWG Village): A 100-acre residential complex built for athletes during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, located along the banks of the Yamuna and near Akshardham Temple. Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal Vihar: An east Delhi multi-sport facility with large open spaces, also developed in the run-up to the 2010 Games. The initiative is part of the DDA's broader push to revive and monetise legacy infrastructure while offering Delhi residents and tourists a unique aerial view of the city's skyline and riverfront.
