The new Gold Coast Football Stadium at Carrara is expected to contribute around $340 million to the local economy over the next 10 years.WATPAC will develop stage one of the $126 million Carrara Stadium — the home ground for the 17th AFL team, the Gold Coast Football Club.
The stadium will be redeveloped to a capacity of 25,000 when it is completed in 2011 and is designed to allow for increased seating capacity in the future.
The proposed redevelopment will have a single service stand on the western side of the ground with a general admission stand to the east.
Key features include an AFL oval capable of accommodating an ICC-compliant cricket oval, an IAAF Athletics field and a FIFA World Cup soccer field, facilities for 2000 corporate patrons, AFL team and officials’ changing facilities, AFL media facilities, team and officials’ suites.
In addition to providing a cost-effective regional stadium, the project will create jobs for the Gold Coast region through both the construction of the stadium and through the introduction of the Gold Coast AFL team.
Watpac managing director Greg Kempton, says the Carrara Stadium redevelopment will bolster its impressive portfolio of stadium projects.
“Watpac has been involved in the construction and enhancement of the key sporting stadium projects throughout Queensland for over 26 years,” says Kempton.
“These include Skilled Park, Suncorp Stadium redevelopment, refurbishment of the old Carrara, the Gabba, Ballymore, and the Thuringowa Sports Stadium in Townsville.
“Through this experience and knowledge of stadium delivery we will work together with, the Gold Coast City Council, the State Government, and the AFL to provide a cost-effective, quality regional stadium that is functional, multipurpose and flexible for future enhancements.
“Importantly it will be built to be enjoyed by players and fans alike. We have honed our expertise through the development and retention of a team of professionals who are knowledgeable in the delivery of world-class stadium projects.”
Watpac is the developer behind the $25 million new Western Stand at Skilled Stadium in Geelong, Victoria, home of the AFL Geelong Cats.
Plans for a redeveloped 23,000-seat stadium for Carrara were announced earlier in the year by Labor as an election promise. The State Government has committed $60 million to the $130 million project, jointly funded by the Federal Government and council and to be maintained by the AFL.
The tender win follows Watpac’s work on Skilled Park at Robina — home of rugby league’s the Titans and the A-League’s Gold Coast United.
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