Last week, Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk officially handed the Parklands Development to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) for its transformation into the Commonwealth Games Village.
Described as one of the most significant urban renewal projects ever undertaken on the Gold Coast, the Parklands redevelopment incorporates 1,170 apartments and 82 townhouses, all of which have been constructed in the last few years. These dwellings will provide accommodation and services to 6,600 athletes and officials during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
The development from Grocon also consists of 7.3 hectares of green and open space, including a community park and extensive landscaped areas.
Palaszczuk says the fact that GOLDOC would now take possession of the site was another significant milestone in the lead-up to the Games in April 2018.
“This precinct will become the [beating heart] of the Games, where athletes and team officials will bask in an environment conducive to achieving their very best,” she says.
According to GOLDOC chairman Peter Beattie AC, "GC2018 sponsor Lendlease will be heavily involved in the planning, programming, logistics and supervision to transform the existing facilities to Games-ready status.”
These facilities include the fit-out of the fully-equipped gymnasium and dining facilities, and the construction of more than 300 temporary structures.
The Games Village will open its doors to athletes from the 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth and their team officials from 25 March 2018. The Games themselves will take place between 4 and 15 April.
Following the Games, Grocon will prepare the Games Village for a mixed-use residential community. The future precinct will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses, to become publicly available from early 2019.
