The rugby union stadium in Herston, selected to host Olympic hockey events in 2032, is undergoing renovations ©Queensland Rugby Union

Work on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic hockey venue in Ballymore could end up costing more than anticipated, it has been reported.

The Western stand is under construction at the rugby union stadium in Herston, the hockey venue for Brisbane 2032, as part of the new AUS$ 30 million (£16.6 million/$19.8 million/€18.7 million) National Rugby Training Centre.

Despite the 3010-seat stand nearing competition, Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) chief executive David Hanham feels more work might be needed at the venue on the Eastern stand, the Brisbane Times newspaper reports.

The 4670-capacity Eastern stand has been declared unsafe meaning the total capacity of the venue would be capped at 8,000 when it reopens in June.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) requirements for the Olympic venue requires 10,000 seats.

"We have two options for the next phase: we either renovate the stand as it sits, or we replicate what we’ve done with the National Rugby Training Centre on the other side," Hanham told Brisbane Times.

Over AUS$30 million more would be needed for getting the venue ready for Brisbane 2032, it is estimated, with Hanham saying QRU would need 18 months to get the new stand ready.

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive David Hanham feels more work might be needed at the venue on the Eastern stand before the Olympic Games in 2032 ©Getty Images
Queensland Rugby Union chief executive David Hanham feels more work might be needed at the venue on the Eastern stand before the Olympic Games in 2032 ©Getty Images

Last year, Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the decision to host hockey at Ballymore was made as it was an existing venue, with upgrades underway.

However, Ballymore could still host the Olympic hockey competitions in without upgrades, according to a State Development Department spokeswoman.

"The vast majority of the seating set to be used during Brisbane 2032 will be temporary overlay, with some use of the western stand," she said.

"The eastern stand seats are not required to meet the seating requirements of the hockey competition at the Games."

In February, the Australian Federal and Queensland State Governments approved an inflated AUD$7 billion (£3.8.0 billion/$4.6 billion/€4.3 billion) funding package for the Olympics and Paralympics.

The Gabba, set to be the main venue for the Games, alone was given AUD$2.7 billion (£2.3 billion/$3.2 billion/€3 billion) for redevelopment by the Queensland Government.

The news has not gone down well in Brisbane as it would require the closure and relocation of the heritage-listed East Brisbane State School from December 2025.

Brisbane 2032 is scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8.