An Australian and international consortium of companies called AmplifyGC has been selected as the shortlisted proponent to develop the new Gold Coast Arena in a public-private partnership arrangement.
Companies within the consortium are Plenary Group, Live Nation, Built, Cox Architecture and 3XN.
Plenary Group is one of the main stakeholders in the consortium that has almost finished its work on Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
Built is also part of the consortium behind Nyaal Banyul, in addition to working on the likes of the Novotel-ibis Styles hotel at Melbourne Airport, Capella Sydney and the major refurbishment of InterContinental Sydney.
Live Nation is a major global event promotor while architects 3XN worked on the new Sydney Fish Market and the Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney. The other architects on the project, Cox Architecture, have worked on everything from Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to Cairns Convention Centre – the original and the recent expansion – and Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“Our collective experience here and overseas make us ideally placed to deliver on the exciting vision for the Gold Coast Arena,” said Plenary Group’s head of development, Sergio 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 delivers measurable economic, cultural and social outcomes for the community.”
The arena, which will have a minimum of 12,000 seats is one of the venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but is not funded through the state and federal Olympic venues funding package.
The EOI that has resulted in the shortlisting of AmplifyGC as the singular proponent sought to find those who would finance, design, build, operate and maintain the arena.
“With a single proponent, we waste no time in getting into the finer planning, investment options and detailed design,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“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.
“We are strategically growing our cultural capital,” said Tate.
“Cities around the world increasingly view creative industries as strategic assets for attracting investment, supporting innovation ecosystems and strengthening economic competitiveness.
“Gold Coast is the fastest growing city in Australia and capital investors understand the opportunities to be part of our rise as a powerhouse city in the Asia Pacific,” said Tate.
There is still significant work to be done before the PPP is finalised, including probity. A finalised project agreement between the council and the consortium is expected early next year, with works to begin not long after.
