Major construction contract awarded for Brisbane velodrome

Up to 185 jobs could be created when Queensland-based construction group Watpac builds the new $55 million Queensland State Velodrome at Chandler in Brisbane for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said a total of $320 million would be invested in sport and community infrastructure for the Commonwealth Games over the next four years, providing an unrivalled opportunity for south east Queensland businesses.

“The awarding today of the multi-million dollar contract to construct a world-class velodrome at Chandler follows Brisbane-based Cox Rayner Architects receiving the design contract earlier this year,” Mr Seeney said.

“The Commonwealth Games is expected to inject $2 billion into our economy and provide up to 30,000 full time equivalent jobs.

“We promised to grow the construction pillar of our economy and boost jobs and the significant investment in infrastructure for the Commonwealth Games is delivering just that.

“The Can-Do LNP Government is focussed on creating jobs and opportunities through investment in infrastructure. Only the LNP has a strong plan to get the state back on track and ensure all Queenslanders can enjoy the benefits of economic growth.”

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business & the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said Queensland was renowned for high quality international events and outstanding infrastructure.

“The velodrome will be another world-class venue that Queensland can add to its growing portfolio,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The Queensland Government has recently released the GC2018 Forward Procurement Plan that includes opportunities for infrastructure work, goods and service requirements from now, right through until the event.

“There will be opportunities for local sub-contractors to benefit from the construction of the velodrome, and I would encourage businesses to register on the ICN Gateway if they haven’t already.

“The first of the Commonwealth Games venues—the $41 million redevelopment of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre—has already been delivered, bringing big economic and social benefits to our state. I am confident the velodrome will bring the same benefits to Brisbane.”

The new velodrome will be built at the southern end of the Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler, which will allow the current velodrome to remain in use while construction of the new facility is underway. It will boast a world-class timber track and streamlined roof design to overcome the weather limitations of the existing outdoor velodrome, which was built for the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. Its design includes mixed use sports courts, function spaces and a café.

Watpac Chief Executive Officer Martin Monro said the group was proud to be delivering the first stage of the Queensland State Velodrome.

“Watpac is extremely pleased to have been selected to build this world class facility which will be centre stage at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Mr Monro said.

“As a Queensland-based national builder, Watpac has a strong reputation for delivering high quality sport facilities, such as Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba.

“We look forward to working with the Queensland Government and local business community to deliver this exciting piece of sporting infrastructure.”

Watpac expects to take possession of the site from October 2014 and construction is due to be finished by mid-2016. A separate contract will be awarded later this year for construction and design of the timber cycling track.

[ENDS] 15 August 2014

Media Contact: Deputy Premier – Jane Paterson 0417 281 754

Minister Stuckey – Jarrad Brevi 0439 291 268

**New architect image of the Queensland State Velodrome attached