Milestone for another great Games legacy

With 190 days to go until the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Parklands project at Southport is complete, with works now underway to transform it into the Games Village.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the $550 million Parklands project would offer a home away from home for 6600 athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth when it is remodelled as the Games Village.

“The Parklands is one of the most significant urban renewal projects undertaken on the Gold Coast.

“Over the past two years, the Gold Coast community has watched the project’s 18 buildings rise from the ground, with nine tower cranes dominating the city’s skyline.

“More than 6000 workers helped build the Parklands and today we celebrate everyone’s achievements as we look forward to welcoming the athletes and officials to the future Games Village.”

Minister Jones said the Parklands project includes 1252 dwellings, including one and two bedroom apartments, and three bedroom townhouses.

“After the Games, the Parklands will transform into an urban housing precinct, with retail, businesses, services and community infrastructure for people working, studying and visiting the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.”

“The 200-hectare site is already home to the Gold Coast University Hospital, a private hospital and Griffith University.  

“With some of Australia’s most renowned scientists and researchers based here, it will become a thriving hub for world-class biomedical and health technology, and cutting-edge research.

“The development of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct over the next 20 years is expected to inject more than $1 billion into the local economy and create up to 26,000 jobs at its peak.

“It’s one of the biggest and most important Games legacies of all,” Ms Jones said.

Media contact: 0439 547 522