Brisbane 27 June 2013.Three developers have been shortlisted to build the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Village.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey announced one company and two consortia have been invited to participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

The shortlisted developers are:

·         Grocon Pty Ltd

·         A partnership between Mirvac Queensland Pty Ltd and Laing O’Rourke Australia Constructions Pty Ltd

·         Village Park Consortium – comprising Australand Holdings Ltd and Citta Property Group.

Ms Stuckey said the three developers will now be required to submit detailed proposals, including master plans and commercial offers for the Commonwealth Games Village.

“The Commonwealth Games Infrastructure Authority (CGIA), established to oversee the planning and development of the Commonwealth Games Village, has endorsed this shortlist,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Construction of the Commonwealth Games Village and overall redevelopment of Parklands will be one of the most significant urban renewal projects undertaken on the Gold Coast.

“The Commonwealth Games and associated spin-offs will inject an estimated $2 billion into the economy, create significant demand in the local construction industry and generate up to 30,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

“Much of the boost to the economy and jobs will occur here on the Gold Coast.”

Ms Stuckey said the Newman Government received a strong response to the call for expressions which closed in mid-May.

“It’s encouraging to see a strong representation from developers with a Queensland presence,” she said.

“Each has a track record of delivering major projects, the financial capability to deliver and importantly, each supports the vision for the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct – a significant legacy outcome.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the developer charged with the responsibility of redeveloping the site would benefit from preparatory works already secured by Gold Coast and other south east Queensland businesses.

Preparatory works, which signify the start of the site’s redevelopment, will commence from October 2013. Permanent works and construction are anticipated to begin from July 2014.

“Today’s announcement is a major step forward in the planning process,” Mr Seeney said.

“Master plans will need to allow for the longer-term legacy for the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge development which will see the Commonwealth Games Village transformed to become the key residential, commercial and retail part of the precinct after GC2018.

“The deadline for developer proposals is October, and it is anticipated that a final developer will be chosen by early 2014.”

The Newman Government’s business unit Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) acts as the master developer for the project.

EDQ undertook a detailed and thorough assessment of the seven conforming responses before the shortlist of three was finalised and endorsed by CGIA.

The Commonwealth Games Village is to be built on the 29.4 hectare Parklands site at Southport.

The site was declared a Priority Development Area (PDA) on 1 February 2013, to fast-track the development.