There is no doubt that if there is any time for the Gold Coast to step out onto the world stage, that time is now. And, nobody knows this better than the Gold Coast’s Mayor Tom Tate as he oversees massive investment in infrastructure.
“As a City, we have worked tirelessly to ensure we will be ready to host the Commonwealth Games,” Mayor Tom Tate says. “The Games are so much more than the 11 days of sporting competition. This is our opportunity to shine on the world stage. We will be presenting to the world, a Gold Coast more sophisticated, mature and competitive than ever before. We are way ahead.”
It is estimated that close to $13 billion has been invested across the city in preparation for the GC2018. And while the Games is the catalyst for much of the investment, it has been planned and delivered in such a way that it will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.
The Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct is undeniably the most significant project underway in the city. It is the location of the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village that, post-event, will become a mixed-use, master planned community – a significant part of the broader precinct.
Already located within the Precinct are Griffith University, Gold Coast University Hospital and Private Hospital, with the next stages of the Precinct’s growth to include nine-hectares of development including a health and knowledge-related commercial space.
Sport infrastructure has received a huge boost with approximately $200 million invested in new or upgraded facilities, building on the city’s existing venues.
This investment will enable the Gold Coast to host bigger national and international events, attract international teams to establish their global headquarters and provide some of the best facilities in Australia for professional athletes. This includes the groups of athletes that use the city each year for training camps.
The Gold Coast already has an impressive track record in staging top-class events. The Magic Millions boasts one of Australia’s richest horse-racing carnivals and the Quicksilver Pro at Coolangatta is one of the stops on the world surfing tour. Throw in other international events such as the World Triathlon Series and this year’s Sudirman Cup featuring the world’s best badminton players, and you get the picture.
The Gold Coast’s public transport network will be put to the test during the Commonwealth Games, transporting an estimated 1.5 million ticketed spectators across the city.
The Light Rail project will play a vital role in ensuring the city can deliver a smooth journey for spectators. Eventually running the length of the Gold Coast’s coastal spine, the Light Rail is one of the biggest transport projects in the country, and the biggest ever undertaken on the Gold Coast.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
