Kenji Sato, ABC
The Queensland government will build a new stadium at Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympics. Photo: Supplied/ABC
Brides and grooms say they have been "blindsided" by Brisbane City Council's decision to close a wedding venue to make way for the Olympic Stadium.
On Thursday Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Victoria Park function centre would be shut by June to make way for early construction works.
He said six months' notice was plenty of time for couples to re-plan their weddings, since it "should have been obvious" the venue would close eventually.
"Everyone was made aware that there was going to be a stadium at Victoria Park earlier last year, so it's a secret to nobody," Cr Schrinner said.
"We've given more than six months notice here and the stadium was announced early last year, so there's plenty of notice to people knowing this is coming."
Adrian Schrinner says it "should have been obvious" that the wedding venue would close. Photo: ABC supplied
Groom-to-be Jesse Cook told 612 ABC Radio Brisbane the closures should have been communicated far sooner.
He said six months was far too short a time frame to reorganise a wedding, and that he had begun planning his September wedding in Victoria Park a year in advance.
Cook said the mayor's comments were "ridiculous" and disrespectful.
"It shows a complete lack of empathy and respect for everyone involved and impacted by this decision," Mr Cook said.
"It seems like poor communication and poor planning on behalf of the council and the government."
No support for re-booking
Brisbane bride Stacey told 612 ABC she was gutted when she learned her June wedding plans had been axed.
She said it would be very difficult to find a venue that could book them in on the same date.
"It's obviously very upsetting if we can't have the venue we originally wanted because it is so beautiful," Stacey said.
"The date for us is very sentimental, so I'm trying to see a silver lining somewhere."
An artist's illustration of the proposed new stadium at Victoria Park in Herston. Photo: Archipelago
The ABC asked Brisbane City Council whether it would give wedding providers financial compensation or alternative venues to use for weddings.
A council spokesperson said it was up to individuals to re-book council venues.
"We have a number of fantastic community venues across the suburbs residents can hire if they're available on their desired date," the spokesperson said.
"To view venues or submit a booking request, residents visit the council website."
- ABC
