Gold Coast Aquatic Centre gets green light for Pan Pacs

The Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council have joined forces to ensure that the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is upgraded in time for the 2014 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.

The existing Aquatic Centre will make way for a new world class facility to host the Pan Pacs in 2014 before becoming the venue for the swimming and diving competition for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre today, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said that an agreement had been reached between the Gold Coast City Council and the State Government to accelerate the redevelopment.

“This is a wonderful win for the Gold Coast and demonstrates how the Newman Government and Gold Coast City Council are working together to deliver this upgrade ahead of schedule,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The 2014 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships will provide a great opportunity to showcase the Gold Coast as well as bringing significant economic benefit to the city and the State.

“It has been more than 25 years since the Pan Pacs were held in Queensland and thanks to this bipartisan collaboration we will have the opportunity to highlight our expertise in hosting world class sporting events ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

Ms Stuckey said the project cost of approximately $41 million would be shared in a joint funding partnership between the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said today’s announcement would bring confidence to Gold Coasters that the 2018 Commonwealth Games would deliver major economic benefits and  significant legacy infrastructure for the city.

“This is very exciting - it’s the first Games legacy infrastructure project to get underway, bringing with it approximately 350 construction jobs and the opportunity to host other major events ahead of the 2018 Games,” Cr Tate said.

“Moving the project forward for the Pan Pacs will also ensure we have world class training facilities available for our elite swimming and diving squads for their preparations ahead of the 2016 Brazil Olympics and the 2018 Games. It also means the new facilities will be reopened to our community much sooner than originally scheduled.

“It is expected the new facilities will cater to more than double the current annual community usage, from 170,000 visits, to up to 400,000 – which will be a fantastic outcome for the city.

“Council will be heavily involved in the project and is now already working with existing pool users and other stakeholders to assist with arrangements.”

Ms Stuckey said the schematic design for the new aquatic centre has already been done and the plans looked fantastic.

“The design is in keeping with the modern and award winning Broadwater Parklands and in event mode will be a spectacular centrepiece with a breathtaking backdrop,” she said.

“The State Government called for registrations of interest late last month from 26 suitably qualified contractors to undertake the redevelopment work.

“A short list of builders will be invited to tender for the project and public consultation will take place in coming months.”

The project will include a new 10 lane 50-metre competition pool, new learn-to-swim pool, elevated spectator concourse/viewing terrace, new change room, gym and toilet facilities, community meeting rooms, event facilities, permanent seating for approximately 1,000 people, and refurbishment of the  existing eight lane 50-metre pool and dive pool.

Construction is likely to commence in February 2013 and expected to take approximately 16 months. The new Gold Coast Aquatic Centre will open to the community in Spring 2014 following the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.

[ENDS] 10 November 2012

Media Contact:
Minister Jann Stuckey: Kylie Jacobson – 0419 850 223
Mayor Tom Tate: Simone Holzapfel – 0414 180 007