Minister opens athletes’ village ahead of 2018 Games

Ten days out from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Minister Kate Jones has officially opened the athletes’ village which will accommodate 6600 athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories over the 12-day competition.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the Commonwealth Games Village, a purpose-built accommodation venue catering to the specific needs of competitors, had been given two thumbs up by Games Mayors, champion swimmer Mark Stockwell and gold-medal-winning cyclist Sara Carrigan.

“Mark and Sara have already had a good look around the village, along with local journalists, and given the venue a 10 out of 10,” she said.

“The Village will be a home away from home for thousands of athletes and officials throughout the Games.

“After the Games, the 29-hectare site will be help create thousands of new, long-term jobs and diversify the Gold Coast economy when it transforms into the residential, retail and commercial heart of the new 200-hectare Health and Knowledge Precinct adjacent to Griffith University and the Gold Coast University Hospital.

Ms Jones said the CGV had been designed to accommodate the needs of all athletes.

“Every athlete has his or her own way of preparing for competition and recovery. If they need peace and quiet, they’ve got it. If they want to be social, they can be. If their bodies are feeling pain, there are ice baths, saunas and four pools.”

In the residential zone, athletes have access to television lounges, computer spaces and refreshment areas, along with a hang-out area complete with pool tables, arcade games and bean bags.

There are designated areas for friends and family to visit, retail shops and a bar.

Ms Jones said the CGV also includes a fully-equipped medical centre, a gym designed by the Australian Institute of Sport, a buffet-style dining hall, and an onsite technical service to repair and alter wheelchairs, orthotics and prosthetics.

“The Commonwealth Games Village will leave a great legacy for Queensland,” she said.

“More than nine hectares of land inside the Village will be released for targeted commercial development after the Games as part of the Health and Knowledge legacy project.

“This initiative will create 26,000 jobs in years to come.” 

Ms Jones said finishing touches to the CGV would make the athletes’ Gold Coast experience extra special.

“There are seven hectares of green space, with walking paths, stages for live entertainment, a centre-piece sculpture inspired by the Gold Coast’s Natural Bridge rock formation, and a waterfall,” she said.

“Athletes will also be encouraged to take home their distinctive bed quilt and hand painted art works as mementos.

“And Village Roadshow is providing athletes and Games volunteers with free access to their theme parks for the duration of the Games.”

Construction of the Parklands redevelopment by private developer Grocon injected an estimated $550 million into the local economy over five years and supported 1500 jobs.

“We have been forward planning when designing every piece of Games infrastructure, ensuring the legacy of Queensland’s biggest sporting event benefits the people of the Gold Coast and visitors to our state for many years to come,” Ms Jones said.

Media contact: Jack Harbour (Minister Jones’ office) 0419 620 447