Gold Coast Suns in talks to establish early learning centre as part of plans to become financially stable

THE Gold Coast Suns have revealed plans to establish an early learning centre and childcare industry training college at their Carrara base in a bid to make it more commercially viable.

THE Gold Coast Suns have revealed plans to establish an early learning centre and childcare industry training college at their Carrara base in a bid to make it more commercially viable.

Findings from the Stadiums Taskforce Report announced this week include the club’s proposal as they try to find ways to make the AFL franchise more financially stable.

It follows a battle between the state government with the Suns and NRL club Gold Coast Titans in regards to their concerns over the hiring costs of Metricon and Cbus Super Stadiums, run by Stadiums Queensland.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FOR 50C A DAY

The Taskforce detailed in its final report that the Suns could save $830,000 per annum if proposals to reduce their sinking fund payments, used the land for a child care centre and increased stadium event attraction through reduced costs of police, security and transport were put in place.

The Taskforce backed Gold Coast’s commercial idea, recommending any supplementary sources of income for sporting franchises be supported and encouraged, suggesting it would elevate pressure to increase ticket prices.

Peter Wright celebrates Suns goal. Pictrue: Getty Images

“Like the majority of sporting club’s around the globe we need to identify additional revenue streams to stay competitive at the top level,” Suns general manager of media and marketing, Stephen Wilson, said.

“We looked at ways as to how we could use Metricon Stadium, others stadiums have gyms, cafes, medical practitioners based in their stadiums.

“We challenged ourselves to identify opportunities that provided social or community benefits, one of those was a childcare facility, which we also think can help us with our community programs and growing our fan base.”

Wilson said the club was working with a Gold Coast based early learning childcare provider about the proposal.

TOP FIVE IN LINE TO BE PRE-SIGNED BY SUNS FOR AFLW

The opportunity is in its infancy, we are still in the process of gaining further advice and planning but we were pleased with the support we received through the Stadium Taskforce report,” Wilson said.

The facility would be located in the bottom corner of the Carrara land off Nerang-Broadbeach Road, connecting to Riverside Home Park.

The Taskforce identified public transport and parking as major issues for the Titans and put forward four major recommendations including:

- The current commuter car park at Robina station be opened for pre-purchased game day parking available for hirers to position sponsors, members and limited general admission carparking.

- Constructing a bridge over the Mudgeeraba Creek to link Stadium Drive to Gooding Drive or Robina Parkway.

- Providing access to additional carpark capacity in the stadium precinct at the Robina Town Centre, Robina Train Station, and Robina State High School, and:

- Using the nearby field of Robina Raptors Junior Rugby League Club, near the hospital grounds for limited parking for major events.