Gold Coast game changers: first images of new sporting facilities

THE council today ticked off on almost $100 million worth of major city infrastructure after awarding contracts for sporting facilities.

THE city council has given the big tick to almost $100 million worth of major city infrastructure after awarding contracts for sporting facilities.

At today’s full council meeting Mayor Tom Tate announced $80 million would be spent on the Pimpama Sports Hub and $18 million for the redevelopment of the Miami Aquatic Centre.

He said the 14-hectare Pimpama facility would be a game changer for northern residents, providing a much needed sports, community and leisure centre.

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Artist impressions of the Miami Aquatic Centre.

“The project will meet the emerging need of the northern Gold Coast’s rapidly expanding population, forecast to more than double by 167,000 by 2036,’’ he said.

The Bulletin has detailed in its Future Gold Coast series how the northern catchment for district sport will increase by about 97,000 residents in the next 15 years.

The population growth will trigger demand for the equivalent of three AFL clubs, one athletic club, six cricket clubs, five soccer clubs, seven netball clubs and seven rugby league clubs.

Community consultation showed 91 per cent of respondents supported the Pimpama Sports Hub. The contract has been awarded to ADCO constructions.

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The Miami Aquatic Centre that was approved by council.

“This group has previously worked with the city to deliver the HOTA outdoor stage. The hub will include eight tennis courts, 12 netball courts, an events space, community centre, parklands and an aquatics centre with an Olympic standard pool,” Cr Tate said.

Early works will start in October with a two-phase completion date of late 2020 for the netball centre and events park, and mid-2021 for the aquatics, tennis and community centre.

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Pimpama Sports Hub

Deputy Mayor and area councillor Donna Gates said the delivery of the sports hub showed the council was keeping pace with the fast growth in the northern suburbs.

“I know our residents will absolutely embrace this hub, especially the aquatic centre which includes five pools. It will help bring the community together,” Cr Gates said.

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An artist impression of the Pimpama Sports hub

Cr Tate said redevelopment of the Miami Aquatic Centre would ensure one of the city’s most popular swimming facilities would become a world class health and recreational facility.

“Miami will continue to serve the kids learning to swim as well as high performance athletes, and keep breeding champions like Giaan Rooney and Grant Hackett,” Cr Tate said.

Miami has two Olympic pools. Redevelopment would see the original eight-lane 50-metre pool replaced by a new multi-function 10-lane pool.

Changes would include a new learn-to-swim pool, new entry to the centre, and a reception and administration area. Additional carparking and a bus set-down area would also be provided.

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Plans for the new Pimpama Sports Hub.

Cr Tate said the contract had been awarded to J Hutchinson, with works due to be completed by early 2021.

The existing 10-lane 50-metre pool would remain open during construction but other facilities would be closed for a short time during redeveloment.