Planning commences for Commonwealth Games Village

Development of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Village is officially underway with the declaration today of the Parklands site as a Priority Development Area (PDA) by the State Government.

Minister responsible for the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the declaration demonstrates the Government’s commitment to getting on with the job of creating the best Commonwealth Games ever.

“The Commonwealth Games Village will not only be a vital piece of infrastructure and home for 6,500 athletes and officials during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, but will contribute to the longer term economic development of the Gold Coast,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The site will include efficient transport networks that enable easy access to Games venues and facilities adjoining the precinct, provide private and public open space for the area, and improve access to key amenities.

“Once the Games are over, the permanent components of the Games Village will form the key residential, commercial and retail part of a major health and knowledge precinct for the Gold Coast, building on the key infrastructure and services already well underway in the area.”

Ms Stuckey said an expression of interest will be released by April this year for a development partner to deliver the Games Village.

The commencement of preliminary infrastructure works could start as early as October.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said planning and development of the site will be managed by Economic Development Queensland which also came into effect today.

“Economic Development Queensland will work with the newly formed Commonwealth Games Infrastructure Authority to facilitate the planning and development of the Games Village,” Mr Seeney said.

“In partnership with Gold Coast City Council and other key bodies, the Queensland Government will prepare a Development Scheme which will enable development of the Commonwealth Games Village and the long term development of health and knowledge-related precincts.

“While the development scheme, which is the overarching planning document for the site is being created, an interim land use plan (ILUP) will be in effect to guide early development of the site.”

The ILUP will remain in effect for up to 12 months while the development scheme is finalised.  The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed development scheme, which is expected to be available for public comment from mid-2013.

A copy of the ILUP is available from www.edq.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 1 February 2013

Media contact:  Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548