Commonwealth Games milestone

A major Commonwealth Games milestone was marked today with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) taking possession of the Gold Coast Parklands.

The move paves the way for redevelopment of the Parklands as the athletes’ village for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

Acting Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said redevelopment of Parklands is one of the most significant urban renewal projects ever undertaken on the Gold Coast.

“Today signals the first of many milestones that will occur at Parklands over the next four years or so,” said Mr Seeney

“The athletes and officials village is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

“Its development will also provide a big economic boost and more jobs for the Gold Coast.” 

EDQ will take control of the 29 hectare parcel of land within the 200 hectare Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.

Demolition and early works will then be undertaken by EDQ which will then work with a private developer (to be appointed by early next year) to deliver the Commonwealth Games Village.

“Works will now get underway to prepare the site for construction for the Commonwealth Games Village,” he said.

“The Parklands demolition contract has been awarded to Caylamax Demolitions Pty Ltd and these works are expected start on site this week.

“Caylamax Demolitions Pty Ltd will take an environmentally-friendly approach to the works with the majority of materials to be recycled on site.

“Further early works, including bulk civil works, are expected to commence early next year.

“Construction of the Commonwealth Games Village by a private developer is anticipated to get underway from mid-late-2014.

“The request for proposals from the three short-listed developers to build the Games Village closed last Friday and EDQ will now lead the assessment of these bids.

“All three proponents have submitted detailed proposals and Queenslanders can look forward to the release of the Commonwealth Games Village master plan when the developer is announced by early 2014.

“The redevelopment is set to boost economic and employment opportunities generally and will generate significant demand for jobs in the local construction industry.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey said the commencement of the work was a significant step in the progress of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

“Early phases of the preparations for the GC2018 Games and the upgrade of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre have been prominent.  The commencement of the Parklands redevelopment is another major reminder to Gold Coast residents of the legacy potential GC2018 can deliver to the Coast.” 

“Parklands will be converted into a vibrant Health and Knowledge precinct in the future.  This will include a range of housing options, community infrastructure, retail and other complementary businesses and services,” Ms Stuckey said

Chair of the Commonwealth Games Infrastructure Authority, and Chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC), Nigel Chamier OAM said that the redevelopment of Parklands will ensure that it will play an important role for the Gold Coast community in the future.

“It will be exciting to watch the transformation of Parklands over the coming years as EDQ facilitates the delivery of the Commonwealth Games Village,” Mr Chamier said.

“The Commonwealth Games Village will be handed over to GOLDOC six months ahead of GC2018 to enable fit out.”

[ENDS] 1 October 2013

Media Contact: John Wiseman – 0409 791 281