Gold Coast Aquatic Centre gets official opening

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, which will host swimming events, during the 2018 Commonwealth Games has been officially opened.

The redeveloped Centre, the first competition venue for the 2018 Commonwealth Games to be completed in advance of the 2018 Games, includes a new 10 lane 50-metre competition pool, new learn-to-swim pool, elevated spectator concourse/viewing terrace, new change room, gym and toilet facilities, community meeting rooms, event facilities, permanent seating for approximately 1,000 people, and refurbishment of the existing eight lane 50-metre pool and dive pool.

Elite competition at the venue will commence next month with the 2014 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships from 21st to 25th August, after which the facility will be open to the public.

Speaking at the opening of the $41 million redevelopment, Queensland Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey praised the joint partnership between the Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast that led to the new facility.

Minister Stuckey stated “the redevelopment of the aquatic centre has been delivered earlier than originally planned to enable the Pan Pacific Championships to be held here in August.

“The centre is stunning and with a backdrop like the Broadwater it’s sure to attract many international swimming events into the future.”

Minister Stuckey added that the $320 million investment in sport and community infrastructure in the lead-up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games would provide long-term economic benefits for south east Queensland, explaining “we will deliver three new world-class competition venues and undertake major upgrades to a further eight venues in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

The City of Gold Coast staff began their takeover of the facility in late June and are preparing to open the centre as a community facility in September.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the redevelopment project had been an outstanding collaboration between the City and the Queensland Government.

Mayor Tate stated “Gold Coast Aquatic Centre will be a signature venue for the Commonwealth Games and the City is proud to have partnered with the government to deliver it two years ahead of schedule.

“The venue is spectacular and will be a show stealer when it makes its international debut hosting the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships next month.

“On behalf of the City, I thank all the aquatic centre’s regular users and the local community for their patience and understanding during construction.”

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