Queensland entertainment mogul Harvey Lister has responded to recent calls to demolish the Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) in Boondall, defending the venue’s place in the city’s cultural and entertainment landscape.
The BEC, built on swampland in 1986, has been a key part of Brisbane’s identity for nearly four decades. However, it has faced criticism due to logistical challenges over the years.
Last week, Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson stirred controversy by offering to demolish the venue for free, arguing that a fresh approach to Brisbane’s entertainment infrastructure is needed.
Hutchinson has also shared his vision for improving Brisbane’s music infrastructure, including his proposal for Riverstage. Hutchinson argues that Riverstage, currently an outdoor venue, requires significant upgrades, including a roof over the band area to improve weather protection, along with better sound infrastructure to prevent noise spillover into nearby areas like Kangaroo Point.
Lister, whose Legends ASM events company manages several Brisbane venues, including the BEC, called the proposal to demolish the 13,000-capacity venue “reckless.” He emphasised the venue’s ongoing success, which has been bolstered by a recent report from Billboard magazine, ranking the BEC among the most successful mid-sized indoor venues in the world.
Lister further pointed to the venue’s upcoming year, with over 750,000 people expected to attend in 2025.
The BEC earned global recognition in Billboard’s 2024 rankings, placing 15th worldwide for concert gross revenue among mid-sized venues and 9th for hosting 76 concerts that year. Venue general manager Patricia McNamara echoed Lister’s sentiments, describing the venue as “going from strength to strength.”
Despite criticisms, McNamara highlighted improvements to issues such as access and transport connectivity over the years, noting that patrons continue to enjoy the venue.
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Upcoming events at the BEC include major performances by Billie Eilish, Drake, Kylie Minogue, and Chris Stapleton, alongside family-friendly shows like Disney on Ice and The Wiggles. The Brisbane Bullets have also seen a 31 percent increase in crowd numbers since returning to the venue this season. Other events this year include Frozen, monster trucks, indoor motocross, and Les Miserables.
Originally conceived as part of Brisbane’s bid for the 1996 Olympics, the BEC will also host handball competitions during the 2032 Olympic Games.
Lister’s stance reaffirms the BEC’s status as one of Queensland’s most successful and beloved entertainment venues, ensuring its place in the city’s future.
Published 24-January-2025