A next-generation venue redefining entertainment and sport on the Gold Coast.

The opportunity 

We are getting ready to go to market to find the right team to deliver the Gold Coast Arena – a major new entertainment and sports venue in the heart of Australia’s lifestyle capital.

This is a rare chance for a consortium to design, build, finance, operate and maintain a world-class arena on a premium 4.5-hectare site at Carey Park, Southport. Think big views over the Broadwater, with nearby bars, restaurants and hotels.

The Gold Coast Arena will be the city’s future home for live music, indoor sport and global touring acts and purpose-built to host everything from basketball and gymnastics to headline concerts and major events.

How it will work

We are offering a long-term arrangement on government land – delivered through a Public Private Partnership model. It’s a major investment opportunity in one of the most exciting and fastest-growing markets in the country.

If you are looking to shape the future of entertainment on the Gold Coast – this is it.

Benefits for the community

The Gold Coast Arena will be a magnet for the world’s biggest music acts, sporting events and blockbuster experiences. But we know its impact will go far beyond the stage.

This event precinct will:

• Host more than 100 major events a year
• Supercharge the local economy
• Support local jobs through construction, hospitality, event management and tourism
• Boost visitor spending and overnight stays
• Create a launchpad for local talent
• Play a role on the world stage with potential to host Olympic and Paralympic sport and cultural events as part of Brisbane 2032.

Project status

Expressions of Interest are now open with submissions expected to close 27 November 2025. 

Stage 2 of the procurement process will comprise a Request for Proposal (RFP). This is expected to commence in February 2026.  

We are aiming to start construction in 2027. We expect there will be a 3-year construction period with opening in 2030.

Partnerships 

The City of Gold Coast is offering a proactive partnership approach to facilitate investment success and support the delivery of the Gold Coast Arena.

The preferred proponent will receive:
 

• streamlined planning and fast-tracked approvals under the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Amendment Act 2024
• investor-led flexibility to shape the design, funding model and structure tailored to market appetite and consortium capability
• clear, coordinated and timely engagement with council through a single point of contact
• organising and facilitating contact with key industry stakeholders and government advisors.

How you can participate

Interested parties are encouraged to register for the Expressions of Interest documentation with submissions closing in November 2025.

To participate in the EOI stage, proponents should promptly register on the Vendor Panel website.

For this EOI process Invest Gold Coast will be using the 

• Public Marketplace
• Category: Real Estate & Property Services
• Sub-category: Property Development Services 

Expressions of interest close at 4pm AEST 27 November 2025. 

The EOI response must be uploaded to Vendor Panel referencing VP471244

For questions about the transaction process contact us at Gold Coast Arena