Gold Coast aiming to become new "cycling mecca" with $55 million velodrome development

The Gold Coast is set to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which will see a surge in infrastructure and investment spend. Such is the spend that it has had reports predicting a house price bounce since 2013.

The spend, however, also includes a $55 million outlay on a velodrome.

This one is to be designed by Brisbane-based Cox Rayner architect, a project that Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney announced would keep dollars in the local economy.

“The design and construction of these facilities will provide a lasting legacy for Queenslanders to enjoy long after the Games is over, proving that we have a strong plan for a brighter future for the State,” said Seeney.

“The Games will inject an estimated $2 billion into our economy and create up to 30,000 full time equivalent jobs.”

It is to be built at the Sleeman Sports Complex near the SuperX BMX track, with the aims of making the area a “cycling mecca”.

Cox Rayner Architects submitted plans and scored highly due to capability, experience, comparative cost and knowledge of the sports complex.

“The firm’s winning design capitalises on south-east Queensland’s sub-tropical climate and conservation surrounds,” he said.

“Its streamlined roof design will overcome the weather limitations of the existing outdoor velodrome, which was built for the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.”

A timber track will also be built, where the previous velodrome’s was concrete.

In total 17 new and refurbished venues are expected for the games, with the Velodrome to be one of two in Brisbane. Belmont Shooting Range will also be in Brisbane.

The velodrome will include a café and improved green spaces.

The Gold Coast's Games Village urban renewal project is already underway.

It remains to be seen whether the Gold Coast will ride the wave of the games' momentum.

Images supplied.