The Gold Coast indoor arena will see a redesign to accommodate 18,000 fans

The City in a shock move will consider making the proposed indoor arena at Southport much bigger, on the back of advice from overseas operators. SEE HOW BIG

In a shock move, the City will consider making the proposed indoor arena at Southport much bigger.

It comes as residents vow to ramp up their opposition to the project, wanting to protect the old trees and carparking at Carey Park.

During the final full council meeting for the year on Tuesday, Mayor Tom Tate hinted at a bigger arena having returned from an overseas delegation with CEO Tim Baker in Singapore.

While on the trip the City’s leaders were advised by their hosts that their stadium of 12,000 had to be demolished for a much bigger one accommodating 18,000 fans.

“Their indoor stadium capacity is 12,000. It was the first building (in an entertainment precinct) built in the late 1980s,” Mr Tate told councillors.

The proposed Gold Coast Indoor Entertainment and Sports Arena. These are examples of the type of stadium wanted by the City.

“The key learning there was — they said the sweet spot for them is around 18,000.”

Mr Tate asked Singapore civic and business leaders how they intended to expand their existing stadium. Their response was they would “knock it down”.

“The learning there is, as I said to our CEO, with our arena if we can fit more people we should look at it, do a cost-benefit analysis,” he said.

Mr Tate said he would ask Mr Baker to reassess the project so councillors in 20 years, faced with increased demand for the Southport arena, did not ask why a full assessment was not made when the project had been first considered.

The Mayor acknowledged the concern of some residents, with feedback from consultation saying they wanted to protect the park opposite the Broadwater Parklands.

He said he would ask if the expansion in seating could occur with the same building footprint.

“We have to make sure it fits nicely in,” he said.

The Gold Coast Indoor Entertainment and Sports Arena. The benefits and early plans.

“To be frank, the various promoters were telling us they were happy with 12,000 — that’s why we went with that.”

Southport-based councillor Brooke Patterson appeared shocked by the development when the Mayor announced the changes.

Outside the council meeting, Ms Patterson said she had requested an update from officers and would wait for that before making comment.

This masthead has estimated that an earlier version of the arena would cost about $300 million. The City says there are interested private parties.

Council could provide $10 million and the State Government up to $50 million.

In July, in an updated report by City officers, councillors were told:

• The Coast needs a mid-sized indoor venue for live music, sports and entertainment to cater for 8000 to 12,000 patrons, filling a gap which sees fans going to Brisbane;

• The city which has a visitor economy generating $8 billion unlike other major destinations lacked an indoor arena which “puts it at a disadvantage in attracting major events and hinders its potential as a cultural hub”;

• The venue would have a “horseshoe seating arrangement” and a wraparound concourse level. VIP and corporate suites would be accommodated underneath fixed seating paired with dedicated seating. Perth’s RAC stadium is promoted as a best case example.

Artist impression of the proposed Gold Coast Arena boutique stadium at Carey Park, Southport. Picture: Supplied by Gold Coast City Council.

Residents who have been part of consultation have begun circulating an objection letter to the project around body corporates.

“The Carey Park Arena proposal violates legal frameworks, compromises environmental integrity, undermines infrastructure capacity, and disregards community and heritage values,” they said.

“Alternative brownfield sites, thoroughly assessed, offer a more sustainable path forward. Therefore, we urge the rejection of this proposal in favour of approaches aligned with sustainable urban development and community interests.”

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Originally published as The Gold Coast indoor arena will see a redesign to accommodate 18,000 fans