Games Village brand reveal with official handover from Government to GOLDOC

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today officially handed the Parklands Development to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) for its transformation into the Commonwealth Games Village. 

Ms Palaszczuk said the fact that GOLDOC would now take possession of the site was another significant milestone in the exciting journey towards 4 April 2018.

“I am proud that during the construction phase of this development we have seen 6,000 jobs created and supply opportunities for local business, these are real economic benefits and I know this will continue to be a driver for the local economy well after the closing ceremony on 15 April 2018,” the Premier said.

“Over the coming months Parklands will be transformed through the fitout of 1,170 apartments and 82 townhouses.

“This precinct will become the heartbeat of the Games, where athletes and team officials will bask in an environment conducive to achieving their very best.”

The Premier also unveiled the street sign for one of the Village’s main thoroughfares - Commonwealth Boulevarde.

The occasion was also marked by the unveiling of the Games Village emblem fittingly designed by graphic design student, Janet Turner from the neighbouring Gold Coast Griffith University.

“The Village 2018 emblem represents the coming together of 6,600 athletes and team officials from all over the Commonwealth and the Games Village as the meeting place,” the Premier said.

“The emblem design was inspired by the Gold Coast’s natural beauty, promoting a fun and relaxed environment for athletes. The emblem is also inspired by the Village itself with the central water feature drawing together the six residential zones, represented as a meeting place”.

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC, said the handing over of the reins to overlay Parklands to become the Games Village was indeed a barometer of the Games progress.

“We have reinforced at all times that the Games are on time and on budget and the reality is, that is absolutely spot on…and this amazing development is a great demonstration of our progress,” Mr Beattie said.

"GC2018 sponsor, Lendlease will be heavily involved in the planning, programming, logistics and supervision to transform the existing facilities to Games-ready status including the fitout of the fully-equipped gymnasium and dining facilities for the Games Village.” 

Mr Beattie suggested the current ‘look’ of the Parklands would be significantly different once the overlay works conclude and teams and officials from across the Commonwealth are welcomed to the Village.

“To give you some indication of the mammoth task ahead, the main dining room will be fitted out to seat up to 2,300 people at any one time with over 20,000 meals served each day and more than 300,000 kg of fresh produce used during the Games,” he said.

“And at any one time close to 2,000 staff will be onsite during Games time to ensure athletes and team officials are fully catered for so they can perform at their very best on the field, track or in the pool.

“I am particularly delighted with the Village emblem that not only showcases the exceptional design talent we have at Griffith University and so aptly depicts the vibrancy and welcoming environment this venue will exude during Games time.

GOLDOC CEO, Mark Peters reiterated the fact that there was a significant amount of work to do before Parklands will truly resemble a Games Village.

“There are more than 300 temporary structures yet to be built on site to house key facilities including the fully equipped gymnasium and the polyclinic which is essentially a small hospital within the Village to service the medical needs of the residents.

“There are also a number of retail outlets opening up during Games time with a general store, Tourism Information Centre, hair salon, Optus phone store and several other exciting stores to bump in.

“By the time we see 160,000 pieces of furniture and equipment, with 13,000 chairs and 11,900 tables and 4,000 bean bags moved in, we will start to look like a welcoming home away from home for our friends from around the Commonwealth.”

Mr Peters said the Games Village will open its doors to the best athletes from the 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth and their team officials from 25 March 2018.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will be staged from 4-15 April 2018.

Media Contacts:

Premier’s Office: Susan McGrady 0488 996 667

Goldoc Contact:   Marcus Taylor 0459 824 504