Major refurb delivers big changes at Gold Coast Rec Centre

A $1.72 million Aerial Adventure Park is set to open at the Gold Coast Recreation Centre, Tallebudgera as Surfing Queensland relocates to the iconic venue as part of a $7 million expansion of the Leisure Centre.

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was fitting to see Surfing Queensland move into the beachside location.

“The new office space with room for 7 staff forms part of a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Leisure Centre and proves just how versatile the Tallebudgera Rec Centre has become,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“It is also a great opportunity for future collaboration between the state’s governing body for the sport of surfing and the staff who deliver programs to visitors at the venue.”

Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates is set to move staff from Burleigh into the newly completed office space at the Rec Centre.

“It’s a perfect synergy for us to move into the Rec Centre where they already have such a fantastic range of surfing and water sports available,” said Mr Yates.

“We look forward to helping the Rec Centre develop those programs, so the community gets the maximum benefit out of them.

“We are super grateful to the Queensland Government for its support in helping find us a new home and can’t wait to develop surfing further, especially with the sport making its Olympic debut in Tokyo in just a few short months.”

Mr Hinchliffe said a new gymnasium, reception area and amenities were under construction employing 23 full-time workers on the project.

“The Gold Coast Rec Centre has been a much-loved space for training, play and recreation for decades and it is getting a well-deserved makeover,” he said

“The two new multi-purpose indoor courts, featuring timber sprung floors, can be used for basketball, netball, futsal, pickleball, wheelchair sports and fitness classes.

“The Leisure Centre will cater to a new generation of schools, clubs and teams as more aspiring athletes get back into their favourite activities.”

Early works are underway on the multi-purpose court project with completion due around October 2021.

Minister Hinchliffe said the 16-metre high Aerial Adventure Park features more than 45 fun, challenging obstacles.

“There is a ninja warrior style course including zip line, barrel bridge crossings, hanging tunnel crawls and bicycle, all safely positioned at varying heights above the ground.

“The top level of the obstacle courses is more than 16 metres high, which will challenge the most adventurous climbers.

“Children as young as three can have a go on the kid’s course, and there is an accessible course for wheelchair users.

“The new Aerial Adventure Park can be incorporated into school and sport and recreation camps and will also be open for families and community bookings.”

The addition of the new Aerial Adventure Parks comes on the back of the centre experiencing its busiest Summer with over 1400 people using the rock-climbing wall and pool, and a further 400 kids participating in the Coast Club Adventure Activity Program across the Christmas school holiday period.

“Groups staying on-site will be able to take on the challenge during term 2, with plans to fully open the activity alongside the rock-climbing wall and pool to the community soon after.”

Assembly of the Aerial Adventure Park supported six full-time jobs.

A major two stage $9.8 million accommodation upgrade was completed at the Gold Coast Recreation Centre in 2020, with new cabins built, and existing cabins refurbished to include ensuites, air-conditioning, and modernised layouts.

Nearly 800 people booked the redeveloped accommodation during the Christmas school holidays taking up the ‘family escape’ affordable beachside holiday accommodation option.

Minister Hinchliffe said works were part of Queensland Active Precincts program, a $40 million transformation of three venues on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and in Townsville, generating 132 jobs over three years.

“These centres are places which inspire Queenslanders to be healthy by engaging in fun, energetic activities and we want to ensure that continues for decades to come,” he said.

An indoor multi-sport venue will begin construction at the Townsville Sports Reserve this month and the Sunshine Coast multi court project will progress later this year with the Aerial Adventure Park on the Sunshine Coast opening in term two 2021.

For more information visit: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/areas-facilities/centres

Media: 0427 475 089