Magazine - Work to Start on Gold Coast Stadium

By Editor in A.F.L on 8th Oct 2009 16:00

Work is about to start on a virtually new multi-million sports stadium on the Gold Coast.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says a massive $126 million reconstruction of Carrara Stadium will begin as early as next month. The new home of the Gold Coast AFL team will hold 25,000 fans. "This stadium is great news for Gold Coast Aussie Rules and great news for the Gold Coast economy," Ms Bligh said in a statement on Thursday. "It will support local jobs now, boost tourism and sport, and build the infrastructure that the Gold Coast needs for the future. "This project will provide up to 950 full-time jobs during the construction, and anywhere up to 700 jobs per event once it becomes operational."

Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke, a life-long AFL fan, has hailed the stadium redevelopment as a momentous event for Australia's sixth largest city. "After 50 years of travelling all over Melbourne every Saturday in the rain and the cold, I cannot think of anything better for southern footy fans than escaping to the beautiful Gold Coast in the middle of a freezing Melbourne winter to follow your team," he said.


AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou said the development of the stadium topped off a great year for the AFL. "This is an exciting time for Australian Football on the Gold Coast and we can't wait to see the stadium take shape," he said. The stadium has been redesigned by Queensland based sports architects Populous, and is to be constructed by Watpac.

Source & More: news.smh.com.au

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