Populous appointed to test Canberra City stadium concept

Populous has been appointed to undertake concept design and feasibility work for the proposed world-class, all-event stadium in Canberra’s city centre.

The appointment marks the next step in assessing the viability of the proposed stadium at Regatta Place and will include concept design development, site testing, operational planning and independently tested construction cost estimates.

Populous is widely regarded as the world’s leading stadium architecture practice, having designed some of the most iconic sporting and entertainment venues globally.

The firm specialises in creating stadiums and arenas that deliver exceptional fan experiences through innovative design, technology integration, acoustics, sustainability and community-focused precinct planning.

Populous was a major sponsor of the 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – focused on elevating the live experience – which took place at Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium earlier this month, with an Opening Night Icebreaker at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium. Check out the Day 1 highlights video here.

The appointment by Canberra Airport follows the launch of the Our City. Our Stadium. proposal and the release of independent economic and social impact analysis examining the benefits of a city-centre stadium for Canberra.

Canberra Airport Managing Director Stephen Byron said the appointment of Populous would provide an independent and globally informed assessment of what could be achieved for Canberra. He said:

“We said from day one that this proposal would be evidence-led and tested rigorously. The appointment of Populous is an important step in that process.

“Populous has helped deliver some of the world’s most successful stadiums and entertainment venues. Their role is to test the opportunity, explore options for the site and determine what is possible.

“This isn’t about arriving with a predetermined answer. It’s about engaging global experts to assess how a stadium worthy of the Nation’s Capital could work in Canberra.”

Populous has been engaged to undertake:

• Stadium site location study
• Concept designs development
• Site suitability testing
• Sustainability considerations
• Coordination of independent construction costing estimate including engineering, traffic, pitch delivery recommendations

Populous Senior Principal Al Baxter said the firm was genuinely excited to be working with Canberra Airport to explore the potential of the city stadium concept. He said:

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring our global experience of designing One New Zealand Stadium to Canberra and explore how a new stadium could respond to the city, its climate and the needs of its community.

“I have a personal connection to Canberra, having been born there, and we look forward to working with Canberra Airport to test the concept to help shape a distinctive, flexible and sustainable venue for the Nation’s Capital.”

 Christchurch Connection

In addition to designing Forsyth Barr, CommBank Stadium, Suncorp Stadium and numerous other major stadiums around the world, Populous recently led the design of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in Christchurch, a fully covered multi-use stadium in the heart of the city that has become a benchmark for how modern stadiums can support major events, economic activity and year-round community use.

The venue was designed as a flexible urban stadium capable of hosting sport, concerts and community events while helping revitalise Christchurch’s city centre.

Byron said Christchurch provided an important reference point for Canberra. He said:

“Christchurch is one of the most relevant examples anywhere in our region. Like Canberra, it’s a growing city that recognised the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports tourism, attracts major events and creates a focal point for community life.

“Christchurch will provide an important benchmark and starting point for the design, but the final concept will be tailored to Canberra, its needs and its climate.”

Source and image courtesy of Populous

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