Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate backs plan to build a boutique stadium for NRL, AFL and A-League
MAYOR Tom Tate has backed a radical plan to build a boutique stadium closer to the coastline to free the Titans from the shackles of Stadium Queensland.
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MAYOR Tom Tate has backed a radical plan to build a boutique stadium closer to the coastline to free the Titans from the shackles of Stadium Queensland.
The Titans are exploring a long-term strategy to dump Cbus Stadium in favour of a smaller capacity arena located closer to the city’s coastline public transport and amenities.
It is understood the boutique stadium would include a grandstand with corporate suites and seating for up to 8000 spectators and a hill section covering the rest of the arena that would accommodate a further 7000.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has thrown his support behind the idea, calling the current lease costs for Cbus Stadium “ridiculous.”
“The Titans owners are applying a commercial mind to their problem. That’s what smart business people do,” Cr Tate said.
“I’d be more than willing to discuss with councillors the possibility of a boutique stadium rising from the ground, somewhere else in our city.
“It would need to be on a public transport route and would need the support of the people but we can make it happen.
“The ridiculous $1.3 million per annum lease costs for Cbus Stadium could be directed into paying interest on a $20 million loan to build the infrastructure needed to make this boutique stadium work.”
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He said he would even go as far as turning off the water to Cbus if a deal wasn’t reached and the Titans moved on.
“Stadiums Queensland would then be left with no anchor tenant for Cbus, and they can spend their weeks mowing it and keeping it spic and span, until the cow’s come home.
“I will also turn the water off to Cbus as we currently gift the water to that stadium, free of charge.”
The idea of a smaller stadium has gathered momentum as talks over the dud Cbus deal have dragged on.
Stadiums Queensland is charging the Titans $110,000 per game, including GST, which is up to four times the price their Sydney club rivals pay their landlords.
The success of Titans matches in Toowoomba and Gladstone has convinced the club that a cut-down stadium model could be the best option for them to thrive on the Gold Coast.
It would also be an ideal home for any future A-League franchise and would deliver the city a more attractive venue for mid-size concerts of up 20,000 fans.
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The Titans are hopeful of striking a fairer deal with Stadium Queensland after meeting with senior officials this week.
Titans CEO Graham Annesley the club was hopeful of signing a deal to stay at Cbus that would be financially viable — but he hasn’t ruled out pursuing a smaller stadium.
“Our objective all along has been to enter into a long-term agreement at Cbus Stadium,” Mr Annesley said. “It’s our home ground, the stadium was built for the Titans over a decade ago and our discussions with the Government are making progress and our objective is to enter into a multi-year agreement there.
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“Those sort of projects (building a new stadium) obviously always take a number of years to bring into fruition and who knows what our situation will be in a few years time.
“A city like the Gold Coast requires a range of different-size facilities to cater for all sorts of events, whether it be rugby league, rugby union, soccer, concerts, to have another quality facility for a range of events in a smaller venue, would be a fantastic addition to the Gold Coast.
“Our objective is to be filling Cbus Stadium most times we play there, which is 27,500 people. We would love to be in a position where we are doing that, but smaller venues to cater for smaller events, there will always be a place for that.”
Mr Annesley thanked the Mayor for his support during the negotiations process.
“The Mayor has been a fantastic supporter of the club and campaigned for us to get a better deal at Cbus and we’re extremely grateful for the support he has given us publicly, which has helped our cause.”
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