Artist impression of the precinct’s amphitheatre
DEMOLITION works will commence on the Gold Coast’s council chambers building next week to make way for the 17ha Gold Coast Cultural Precinct, which will serve as the live site for the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
The design of the precinct, which is already home to the Arts Centre Gold Coast, was awarded to Melbourne-based ARM Architecture and will be developed over the next 10-15 years.
Stage one of the A$400 million (US$298 million) project, described as an “enduring cultural, artistic and civic heart for the city”, will result in an outdoor amphitheatre for cultural performances and functions for 850-5000 guests; a riverside hub, which will transform the existing building into a transitional gallery exhibition space; and an ‘Artscape’ outdoor garden.
Valued at A$37 million, the first stage will also include the detailed design of a pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting the precinct to Surfers Paradise and Chevron Island.
Anna Carroll, director of the Cultural Precinct Project, Arts Centre Gold Coast, said that while the Commonwealth Games has spurred on the project, this had been a long-term vision for the city.
“Our cultural institutions have been outgrown,” she said.
“We’re trying to build a space that’s versatile so it can be used for formal performances, but when it’s not in use there will be spaces for the community to access. The architects are really taking on that challenge and stage one is very much on track for 2018.”
