Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games venues on target

Venues for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games™ (GC2018) are set to be delivered well ahead of schedule, with the Queensland Government’s progress being given the tick by the world’s Commonwealth Games Federation.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Queensland Government and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) were on target to deliver three new sporting venues and major upgrades to eight others.

“This $320 million investment in sport and community infrastructure will generate up to 30,000 jobs and inject $2 billion into our economy,” Mr Seeney said.

“I am pleased to report that the Commonwealth Games Federation has also approved the final list of sports and venues for the Games which details that some planned temporary locations will now become permanent venues, creating an even stronger legacy for Queenslanders.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey said the positive changes to planned venues were the result of detailed consultation and planning undertaken by the Queensland Government, City of Gold Coast, GOLDOC and other key partners.

“The process has resulted in design enhancements to the new Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre that will increase the size of the venue from 6,000m2 to 10,000m2,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The new existing Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre has also benefited, with the venue now in the early design stage. It is set to double in size to accommodate the wrestling in addition to the badminton competitions.

“The Carrara Indoor Stadium has also been identified as an additional venue and will be upgraded to replace a temporary venue to host the weightlifting competition during the Commonwealth Games, providing yet another great sporting infrastructure legacy for the Gold Coast.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the City had worked in partnership with the government and GOLDOC to ensure the best possible Commonwealth Games venue legacy outcomes.

“Together with our partners, we’ve reviewed the venues master plan to ensure any changes to the proposed Gold Coast venues result in greater benefits for our city in the long term,” Cr Tate said.

“Changes to the Carrara Sports Precinct will strengthen its capacity as an internationally-significant sports precinct and support the attraction of elite and high performance sporting events and training camps.

“The new Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre will now not only be a great community venue for local sporting groups and residents in the northern Gold Coast, it will also be capable of hosting larger events.”

Ms Stuckey again congratulated local Gold Coast firm BDA Architecture who were designing the new Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre, with Cox Rayner Architects to design the new Queensland State Velodrome.

“Progress and delivery of all venues and the Commonwealth Games Village will continue to be overseen by the Commonwealth Games Infrastructure Authority,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The first of the Commonwealth Games venues—the $41 million redevelopment of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre—is due to be handed over to the Gold Coast City Council this month.

“We brought forward the Aquatic Centre and are delivering it on time and on budget.  We are confident that our strong planning will deliver the remaining venues ahead of schedule.”

[ENDS] 13 June 2014

Media Contact: Deputy Premier’s Office:Jane Paterson 0417 281 754

Minister Stuckey’s Office: Natalie Wynne 0439 291 268