26 August 2025

Gold Coast Arena officially opens EOI process on 28 August

The City of Gold Coast will formally open the Expressions of Interest process on 28 August for its long-awaited Gold Coast Arena project – a 12,000-plus capacity entertainment and sports venue that has already been confirmed as a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue. 

Described by City officials as one of the most exciting public-private partnership opportunities currently in play across Australia, the project will seek proposals from major Australian and international consortia to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the landmark venue. 

Will Hodgman, Chair of Invest Gold Coast, said the project represents more than an infrastructure asset. 

“The Gold Coast Arena project and the EOI marks a signal that the City is ready to compete for global capital and legacy investment,” Mr Hodgman said. 

“The Gold Coast is not shopping around for speculative interest. 

“We’re now at the point of execution. The EOI opens on 28 August and we are inviting serious players to the table.” 

The arena will be delivered at a Gold Coast CBD site at Carey Park in Southport and is included in legislation under the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Amendment Act 2024 supporting fast-tracked approvals. 

Construction is targeted to commence by 2027, with doors expected to open in 2030. Internal forecasts estimate construction will generate up to $2 billion in economic output, support over 6,500 jobs and inject $700 million into the regional economy. 

Mr Hodgman said the City has deliberately avoided over-specifying the scope to attract market-led innovation, with early interest registered from consortia in the national and international markets. 

“This isn’t about just building a box with seats. We’re talking about creating a privately run venue that will become an anchor point for the city’s Olympic legacy and support the growth in live event demand on the Gold Coast,” he said. 

“We welcome innovative plans and ideas for the Gold Coast Arena. We’re looking to the future with this project and we want to work with a partner who is eager to create a legacy project."

The Gold Coast, already one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia, is forecast to see its under-20 population rise by nearly 40 per cent by 2041, with cultural infrastructure urgently required to keep pace. In 2023, the city’s live music economy alone contributed nearly $1 billion, according to Live Performance Australia. 

With the formal EOI opening now confirmed, proponents will have several months to lodge submissions. A shortlist is expected by early 2026. 

“This is a high-value play in a growth market with Olympic backing and streamlined delivery and not only do we expect competitive interest, we welcome it,” said Mr Hodgman. 

Full EOI documentation and submission details will be released on 28 August 2025. Interested parties can find details to register at: investgoldcoast.com/opportunities/gold-coast-arena 

ENDS