Local firm wins Commonwealth Games contract

Gold Coast-based firm BDA Architecture will design the Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre venue for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Premier Campbell Newman said the success of the firm in designing the estimated $52 million facility would keep dollars in the local economy and underpin jobs throughout the Gold Coast region.

“My government wants hardworking local companies and communities to benefit from the building boom associated with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Mr Newman said.

“The Games will inject an estimated $2 billion into our economy and create up to 30,000 full time equivalent jobs, and it is heartening to know that BDA Architecture was one of six Gold Coast firms that prepared submissions to design the Coomera Sport and Leisure Centre.

“It shows the depth of expertise and capabilities in the region, and also that the business world is on-board with our plan to keep jobs and money in the local economy.”

Mr Newman said BDA Architecture’s submission scored highly in terms of capability, relevant experience and comparative cost.

“The company will design the new facility in association with Peddle Thorpe, an architectural firm which has designed sport venues for the Melbourne and Delhi Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“Peddle Thorpe will transfer their sport facility knowledge to BCA Architecture, which in turn will be a great legacy for the Gold Coast.”

Mr Newman said today’s announcement showed the delivery of infrastructure for the Games was progressing well.

“We’re right on track to provide 17 new and refurbished GC2018 venues, as well as the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village,” he said.

“The upgrade of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre has started, we have taken possession of the Gold Coast parklands, and we have progressed the selection of a private developer for the Commonwealth Games Village.

“This is a substantial milestone as the Games Village will be the largest infrastructure project undertaken on the Gold Coast as well as one of the area’s most significant urban renewal projects.”

Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre is one of four new facilities being purpose built for the Games, along with the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre, Mountain Bike Track and the Queensland State Velodrome.

Five existing facilities will be permanently upgraded while eight will have temporary overlay works.

BDA Architecture has won a number of awards from Royal Australian Institute Of Architects. More information at http://www.bdaarch.com.au/

[ENDS] 31 October 2013

Media contact: Andrew Blow 0408 912 821