A primary school in Brisbane is to be relocated two kilometres away to make way for the redevelopment of the Gabba for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics ©East Brisbane State School

A primary school in Brisbane is set to be relocated to make way for the redevelopment of the Gabba for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

Queensland’s Minister for Education Grace Grace has revealed that the East Brisbane State School will move around two kilometres away to the grounds of Coorparoo Secondary College (CSC).

East Brisbane State School is currently situated next to the Gabba but it is expected to close in December 2025 to allow for building work to completely rebuild the cricket ground at a cost of AUD42.7 billion (£1.54 billion/$1.86 billion/€1.74 billion).

Plans to shut down the 124-year-old school has caused anger with pupils and their families protesting against the closure.

A consultation process was held in February and March where several options were explored, including moving East Brisbane State School to other locations, before a decision was made to move to the site of CSC.

It was ruled by the Government that the alternative sites were either "too small" or would not be ready in time for 2026.

Protests have been staged against the closure of East Brisbane State School which is making way for the redevelopment of the Gabba ©Stadiums Queensland
Protests have been staged against the closure of East Brisbane State School which is making way for the redevelopment of the Gabba ©Stadiums Queensland

Grace promised that more than AUD$100 million (£51.5 million/$65 million/€60 million) would be invested in new facilities, including the creation of a swimming pool.

"East Brisbane State School is going to get brand new, state of the art standalone primary school buildings that are surrounded by green space, close to the existing school site, and plenty of room for them to grow," she said.

"During the consultation the community made it clear that they want safe and convenient active travel routes to be developed, to explore incorporating artefacts and memorabilia in the designs of the new buildings, and to ensure transport options to coincide with Outside School Hours Care hours of operation.

"We will be working closely with the school community to deliver all these things and more, and I look forward to seeing the final designs being developed."

Queensland’s Minister for Education Grace Grace has promised multi-million dollar investment into East Brisbane State School after plans were announced to relocate it as a result of the city hosting the 2032 Olympics ©Grace Grace
Queensland’s Minister for Education Grace Grace has promised multi-million dollar investment into East Brisbane State School after plans were announced to relocate it as a result of the city hosting the 2032 Olympics ©Grace Grace

Austin Gibbs, head of the East Brisbane State School Parents and Citizens Committee Association, admitted the move was "very disappointing".

"We would ideally like it [the school] to stay here," said Gibbs in a report by Australian broadcaster ABC.

"Failing that, if it absolutely can't happen, then we definitely need a school in the area because it is such a fast-growing area."

The Gabba is set to serve as the centrepiece of Brisbane 2032, after being chosen as the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremony and athletics competition.