Southport Sharks advance plans for new sport and entertainment precinct

The Southport Sharks have released details of their palms to build an integrated sports and entertainment hub around their current Gold Coast base.

With the precinct master plan, based on a 30-year lease extension, having recent support from the Gold Coast City Council’s Lifestyle Committee, the upgraded sports reserve is regarded as a key plank in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct becoming a major innovation hub.

The plan’s centrepiece is a purpose-built stadium designed to accommodate 8,000 to 10,000 of the Sharks Australian Rules club spectators. It also proposes clubhouse improvements including new junior female and visiting change facilities, up to three residential towers providing 260 apartments, additional multi-layered carparking and allied health and sports studios along with an aquatic centre.

Sharks officials say the intended timeline for completing the works is “well in advance” of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Commenting on the importance of the development, Southport Sharks Chief Executive, Dean Bowtell described it as “a crucial community facility” that will serve both sporting and broader community needs.

The venue will house the club’s senior VFL and QAFLW teams and junior football programs, alongside amenities such as facilities for female athletes, a sports science hub, and spaces for live music and community events.

Beyond AFL, the precinct will offer multi-sport capabilities, underlining its value to the region.

Designed by urban design firm Urbis, the stadium promises to deliver a distinctive event-day experience while integrating seamlessly with nearby infrastructure, including the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and Smith Collective Village. The site’s accessibility via light rail and bus networks, enhanced by the legacy of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, is a key advantage.

The master plan extends beyond sport, addressing critical housing needs with proposed residential developments, including affordable housing and retirement living. Southport Sharks also aims to position itself as a hub for Queensland’s emerging sports tech sector, with plans to foster partnerships in athlete management, data analytics, wearable technology, and fan engagement.

The club’s vision aligns with the region’s broader goals, including the build-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bowtell highlighted the opportunity to establish the precinct as a cornerstone of Queensland’s sports tech industry, enhancing the Gold Coast’s reputation as a leading destination for innovation and sporting excellence.

Image: The Southport Sharks' precinct masterplan.