An enclosed world-class entertainment and sports arena is proposed for the Gold Coast, capable of hosting Olympic and Paralympic events in 2032.
In a statement, Gold Coast City Council said the proposed $480 million arena would host premium live music performances, sports, comedy and esports.
“We are currently missing out on these high-value events because we don’t have a suitable indoor venue for audiences of up to 12,000 spectators,” the statement said.
“After site investigations, Council has provided in principle support for an arena at Carey Park, Southport. It will encourage investment in the CBD, create hundreds of jobs and boost our visitor economy.”
Council said the project would meet the needs of the growing resident and visitor populations and establish the city as one of Australia’s entertainment capitals.
It listed the following benefits:
- Bring significant economic, social and creative benefits to the city and broader region.
- Help attract the most in-demand international and national music acts, major sporting events and family entertainment to the city.
- Create 1800 jobs for Queenslanders during construction and 740 full-time jobs during operation.
- Generate $1.5 billion in economic output over the first 10 years.
- Inject $700 million value added into the economy over 10 years.
- Host up to 80 major events each year.
- Support and attract local businesses.
- Invigorate further investment in the CBD and boost the visitor economy.
- Host some of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games sports and culture events.
The statement said the Gold Coast Arena was intended to be delivered and operated by a private investor which would be decided through a commercial transactions process.
“We are in the planning phase and aim to start construction in 2026–2027. We expect there will be a 2-to-3-year construction period with delivery in 2028–2029.”
