BVN Stories — April 27, 2017
Design Puts Gold Coast on World Stage
BVN, architect for the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, wanted to design a sporting facility that could provide a rewarding experience for players and spectators.
Principal Mark Grimmer said a key aim was to make the GCSLC to be a gathering place for the community.
The new facility will launch the Gold Coast on the world stage, setting a new benchmark in indoor court capacity, flexibility and ability to accommodate large multi-team events and tournaments
Mark Grimmer, BVN Principal
Embodying the excitement that is building for the Games, the Carrara centre features a sub-tropical character with bold and vibrant colours, shimmering surfaces and a visually rich interior that will thrill visitors and players alike.
“The experience of a professional player right through to a community member playing sports were treated as equally important in the design,” said Mr Grimmer.
“Being adaptable for a range of sports, player groups and spectator capacities was essential to meet the brief for both the Commonwealth Games and its ongoing legacy as a facility for the City of Gold Coast.”
The first major event at the facility will be the TOTAL Badminton World Federation (BWF) Sudiman Cup from 28-29 May.
This is the first time in the Cup’s 25 year history that it has been held in a country outside of Asia or Europe. This international tournament will act as a test event just under a year out from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The wrestling, weightlifting, badminton and para powerlifting competition will be held in the new Gold Coast Sports Centre from 4-15 April 2018.
BVN has designed many world class sporting and support facilities, notably the Sydney 2000 Stadium (with Lob Partnership), the Tennis Stadium and the White-water Rafting Facility, the Beijing 2008 Tennis Stadium, and sections of the Olympic Village for London 2012.
