This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Queensland government has launched a global search for the best proposal to deliver a new tourism and entertainment hub on the Gold Coast, similar to Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the hub would include new entertainment venues, convention space, dining and retail experiences and luxury hotels.
“As global tourism hubs are developing around the world we are seeing a greater focus on entertainment, high-end retail and convention centre markets, not gaming revenue.
“That’s why today I can announce we will cap the gaming footprint of any new development at 5% of gross floor area.
“We expect a Gold Coast Global Tourism Hub to create more than 6000 local jobs and attract an extra million tourists each year,” the Minister said.
Jones added that the government has already fielded strong interest from the global market since the decision was made in August 2017 to retain a casino licence on the Gold Coast – to build a new global tourism hub.
“In fact, this has been talked about for more than six years and we are determined to get the best outcome for the Gold Coast,” she continued.
Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the Gold Coast tourism industry is now worth close to $5 billion and supports more than 40,000 jobs.
“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing cities in the country,” she said. “We need to deliver major infrastructure projects now, to support that growth and create jobs into the future.
“Local residents could also benefit from access to world-class bars, restaurants and infrastructure that wouldn’t be delivered without a global tourism hub.” Scanlon added.
Jones said the community will have a say on the design, scope and location and the state government would establish a Gold Coast Tourism Advisory Panel to advise throughout the procurement process.
“We’re not going to say yes to anything that does not have the strong support of the Gold Coast tourism industry and broader community,” Jones said. “The Panel, chaired by prominent Gold Coaster John Witheriff will include representatives from City of Gold Coast, Destination Gold Coast, Gold Coast Airport, local business and community.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the council was committed to working with the state government to deliver a quality new global tourism hub for this city.
“Today is a great day for the Gold Coast,” he said. “While tourism continues to grow, unless we invest in new opportunities we risk losing market share,”
Tate added that council would work with the state government to advise on suitable sites.
Queensland Airports CEO Chris Mills said it was important to promote new investment in the Gold Coast.
“We’re investing $370 million to upgrade Gold Coast Airport to grow the local tourism industry,” he said. “We’ve also started work on a $50 million hotel next to the airport terminal. With increased capacity at the airport, new tourism infrastructure is more important than ever before.”
Potential proponents will have until April to register their interest.
Australian Property Journal
