Report suggests VenuesLive set to manage Central Coast Stadium

Central Coast Council’s move to secure a venue manager for its Central Coast Stadium at Gosford are reported to have resulted in VenuesLive being set to take on the operations at the facility.

As reported by Coast Community News, negotiations between the Council and VenuesLive - the operator venues including Sydney’s Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium and Perth’s Optus Stdaium - are underway for the management of the waterside venue.

The report suggest that in turn VenuesLive has indicated it is negotiating with the Central Coast

The development follows the Council having issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the management of the stadium in July, as an action under the Central Coast Stadium Strategy adopted in March last year.

Three responses were received, one of which was submitted by the existing Central Coast Council Stadium management team, with which Council is consulting on the impacts of future management.

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said the move was another step toward ensuring the stadium reached its potential for the region, telling Coast Community News “Central Coast Stadium is an outstanding facility located in an exceptional spot - directly adjacent to the beautiful Brisbane Water and a short walk (to) the Gosford CBD.

“This is a great outcome for the community as it brings Australia’s largest private stadium operator to the Central Coast - and the benefit of their vast industry network.

“The community should expect to see a gradual increase in event offerings in both quantity and diversity.”

The Council expects to be ready for transition of management to occur for the new financial year.

Council Chief Executive, David Farmer said a number of things needed to be considered in the revitalisation of the waterfront, with the change in management at the stadium likely to drive future plans, noting “we’re very happy an organisation like VenuesLive wants to partner with us.

“The stadium isn’t just a facility for sporting events, although that will always be the major use.

“There is the potential for all sorts of events such as concerts to provide more richness to community life.”

VenuesLive is also the exclusive caterer for venues such as McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Win Stadium in Wollongong and Sydney Motorsport Park at Eastern Creek.