Southport Sharks to build sports and entertainment hub including three towers before 2032 Games
The Gold Coast is to get a new global sports and entertainment precinct under a master plan. Check out the exclusive documents
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The Gold Coast is to get a new major sports and entertainment precinct under a masterplan put forward by the Southport Sharks, exclusive documents reveal.
A Stadium Precinct Masterplan developed by the Southport Sharks Australian Rules club will be presented to councillors on Thursday where they are to be asked to tick off on a 30-year lease on reserve land on the corner of Musgrave and Olsen avenues.
The upgraded sports reserve is regarded as a key plank in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct becoming a global innovation hub.
The City says the southern section will host “large-scale music events”.
The “hyper performing precinct” will include:
* Senior sports field and surrounding upgrades creating stadium seating.
* Clubhouse improvements including new junior female and visiting change facilities.
* Up to three residential towers providing 260 apartments.
* Additional multi-layered carparking.
* Allied health and sports tech studios and an aquatic centre.
Southport Sharks officials say the intended timeline for completing the works is “well in advance” of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Finishing the precinct by 2028-29 enables visiting countries to use the facilities.
Councillors have previously supported the plans and at a lifestyle committee meeting on Thursday expected to vote in favour of a 30-year lease, at a rental of $100 per annum.
The areas cover the main oval, surrounding buildings and two junior fields.
The current lease expires in 2030. The club since 2021 has invested over $2 million in field and landscape maintenance with further drainage works to be completed totalling $300,000.
Area councillor Brooke Patterson said: “The Southport Sharks masterplan is the brainchild of the late Matthew Schneider – a true visionary of our city. Sharks CEO Dean Bowtell has been steadfast in ensuring it turns into reality.
“I am delighted to see this plan reach this important milestone and be presented to council. The timing of this plan is perfect as we lead into 2032 and is another example of why the future is Southport.
“For those who had the privilege of being witness to Matt Schneider’s strategic brilliance, it will be heartfelt to see this vision realised.”
In the masterplan vision statement, it says the precinct will become “a sports, entertainment and event hub where the community comes to play”.
Mr Bowtell said the primary objective of project was to create the full realisation of the club’s vision for the region by building new community facilities.
“Much of the future population growth of the Gold Coast will be in the northern region and the plan enables the delivery of generational infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Bowtell said the plan also responds to demand for sport, leisure and entertainment infrastructure, which would increase significantly over the next 10-20 years.
“The Master Plan will leverage transport infrastructure, having two stations located within a five minute walk of the club,” he said.
“The cost and time frame is being determined in close collaboration with project partners, including GCCC and the Queensland government.”
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