Gold Coast Stadium heading towards construction kick-off
Minister for Sport Tom Barton announced today that the Gold Coast Stadium is heading towards construction kick-off in mid 2006.
Mr Barton said officers from the Government's Major Sports Facilities Authority have been working closely with the Department of Public Works design team led by HOK Sport and Watpac to develop the concept design of the stadium at Robina.
"The MSFA has engaged the Department of Public Works as the Principal Construction Authority for the new stadium - and the Department is moving quickly to ensure all targets are met," Mr Barton told State Parliament.
"The schematic design stage was completed on schedule in early February and tender documentation for the detailed design and early works trade package is proceeding.
"Building consultants Watpac are finalising the Guaranteed Construction Sum proposal for the building of the stadium, and this should be submitted towards the end of March."
Mr Barton said negotiations on the stadium land transfer and associated new infrastructure works are being finalised with the Robina Land Corporation and Gold Coast City Council. Plans of Development for the stadium site were submitted to the Gold Coast Council in late February for approval.
He said the project would not only deliver a world-class piece of sporting infrastructure, but would deliver jobs in Queensland's building and construction industry and, when completed, enhance the vitality of the Robina precinct.
"It is estimated up to 2,000 jobs will be generated during construction of the Gold Coast Stadium and it is anticipated most of the consultants, subcontractors
and the suppliers involved will be drawn from South East Queensland," he said. "It is also close to a commercial hub in the Robina Town Centre which will provide vitality to the precinct and enhance the appeal of Robina as the sporting and entertainment precinct on the Gold Coast.
"The stadium site off Laver Drive is also centrally located and close to existing transport infrastructure."
Mr Barton said the site was a greenfield one which allowed designers to be more innovative when tackling issues such as water consumption. "In today's dry conditions, the Government is investigating the use of recycling water to irrigate the playing field and clean the stadium," he said.
"These options are being looked at with the cooperation of the Gold Coast City Council as a means of helping to conserve water supplies on the coast."
Mr Barton said upon completion, the Stadium will be a fully functional, quality rugby league, rugby union and soccer venue owned and operated by the Queensland Government's Major Sports Facilities Authority.
The Gold Coast Stadium project is on schedule to be ready for the start of the 2008 National Rugby League season.
