Consortium wins right to build Southport stadium
A consortium of property companies and the world’s largest live entertainment company has won the battle to develop a landmark 12,000-seat stadium overlooking The Broadwater at Southport.
The City of Gold Coast has selected global consortium AmplifyGC to lead the project, which is intended to be a legacy venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The consortium includes global infrastructure developer Plenary Group and Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company.
In 2024, Live Nation sold tickets to 151 million fans for 11,000 artists at 54,000 events. The company controls or has exclusive booking rights for 394 venues globally.
The consortium also includes leading Australian-owned construction and property group Built, supported by Cox Architecture and 3XN as lead architects.
Invest Gold Coast, the City’s economic development arm, will now work with AmplifyGC to refine the investment options, delivery and design for the minimum 12,000-seat venue at Carey Park, Southport.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was delighted at the high calibre of AmplifyGC and its global strength.
“With a single proponent, we waste no time in getting into the finer planning, investment options and detailed design,” he said.
“We can move swiftly as a designated Olympic venue to ensure the arena is delivered by 2030 – well ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The world’s eyes are on the Gold Coast, and the level of interest in this major public infrastructure legacy project is a sign of the city’s status."
Cr Tate said the Gold Coast was the fastest growing city in Australia, and investors understood the opportunity to work with the city as it emerges as a powerhouse in the Asia Pacific region.
Plenary Group Head of Development Sergio Calcarao said the AmplifyGC team was thrilled to be partnering with the City of Gold Coast to deliver what will be an iconic piece of legacy infrastructure for South East Queensland.
“Our collective experience here and overseas makes us ideally placed to deliver on the exciting vision for the Gold Coast Arena,” said Mr Calcarao.
“Our integrated delivery and operating model will ensure fast-tracked delivery, world-class operations and a whole-of-life approach.
“That will provide value-for-money for the City and deliver measurable economic, cultural and social outcomes for the community.”
Live Nation Australia & New Zealand’s Senior Vice President for Venue Development, Guy Ngata, said the arena would play a central role in the Gold Coast’s future as a live entertainment destination.
“AmplifyGC’s vision is to shape the next chapter of live entertainment on the Gold Coast,’’ he said.
“Beyond the Olympics, the arena will position the city as a destination for global touring - driving economic growth, strengthening the region’s cultural life, and giving international and local artists a world-class stage for the next generation of live entertainment.”
AmplifyGC was endorsed by the full council after it ran an Expressions of Interest campaign.
The EOI sought expressions of interest to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the city’s largest indoor entertainment and sports venue.
Respondents were assessed on design vision, value for money, capacity, capability and Olympic readiness.
Invest Gold Coast will issue a process deed to AmplifyGC, which sets out the next steps of the transaction.
It is expected that the project agreement will be executed in early 2027, and construction will start soon after.
 |
|