The Queensland Government has reached an in-principle agreement to build a 4000sqm super stage at Village Roadshow’s Oxenford Studios.
The partnership that will deliver the latest venue for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and provide a major drawcard for international blockbuster films.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the proposal would see the biggest and best super stage in Australia built at Village Roadshow’s Oxenford Studios and subsequently fitted out to host the GC2018 Squash competition.
She said the Queensland Government would contribute $11 million from the GC2018 venue construction program to build the super stage as an investment in the international competitiveness of the Queensland screen industry.
“The new super stage will position Queensland strongly against competitors interstate and overseas, growing the local industry, building local expertise and increasing employment opportunities,” she said.
“Lack of a super stage has cost Queensland major productions in the past, so it’s important we explore this opportunity.
“This proposal will be a win-win for the Commonwealth Games and for the Gold Coast film industry.
“It can be delivered at no extra cost to the Games budget, providing an opportunity to provide a lasting legacy from GC2018 for the Queensland film and television industry that will create jobs and drive economic benefit for the long term.”
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones, said attracting more blockbuster productions to the Gold Coast would be a key driver for tourism and investment in Queensland.
"Major film shoots in the region have already proven to deliver massive international exposure for the Gold Coast and Queensland, with media coverage of the recent Pirates of the Caribbean production reaching a world-wide audience of 2.7 billion people,” she said.
“The Queensland Government is already delivering a significant legacy for sport and community infrastructure associated with GC2018, with three new sporting venues under construction and eight upgraded venues due for completion well ahead of the opening ceremony.
“The super stage will be adapted to host the squash competition at Games-time and will provide an extraordinary legacy and significant economic benefit to Queensland creating jobs in the film and television industry in the lead up to and for many years after GC2018,” she said.
Gold coast Mayor, Tom Tate, said would it leave a wonderful legacy for the Gold Coast long after the Closing Ceremony.
“It is important the Gold Coast seize every opportunity to create a wonderful and enduring legacy from the Commonwealth Games so that future generations can benefit from our significant investment,” he said.
“I absolutely welcome the proposal to deliver a ‘Super Stage’ on the Gold Coast because it will help us forge a stronger, more diversified economy with more opportunities for young people.”
Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief executive, Tim Fisher, said he welcomed the state government announcement and was looking forward to working with them on this fantastic project.
“We believe this new facility will provide an ongoing legacy for the Gold Coast as an all-purpose venue while enhancing the Film and Television industry in Queensland,” he said.
Current plans have the GC2018 Squash competition hosted at Runaway Bay.
The Government will now work with GOLDOC, the Commonwealth Games Federation and the relevant national and international sporting bodies to work through the detail and gain their agreement to relocate Squash to Oxenford Studios.