Queensland premier Anna Bligh’s bid for the Commonwealth Games is in full swing with the first images of the Gold Coast Stadium unveiled today along with preliminary plans for the infrastructure needed to host the major event.

Bligh travels to Delhi this week to meet with officials and argue the Gold Coast’s sporting credentials.

Designed by Populous, the Gold Coast Stadium features an undulating roof and pinstriped façade. The $126 million project will have the capacity for 25,000 sports fans and will become the new home of the Gold Coast AFL team. Work could begin as early as next week.

Sports specialist architects Populous teamed with Watpac for the project. Both companies also worked on Skilled Park.

The stadium has been designed with the players and fans in mind, senior principal at Populous, Alastair Richardson said. “We’ve aimed for the best viewing standards for all patrons to maximize the fan experience.”

The stadium design was “fantastic” and its construction is great news, both for Gold Coast Aussie Rules and the economy, Bligh said.

AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou said he couldn’t wait for the development to take shape.

“The new stadium is a critical part of the long-term growth of the game in the region and will provide local sports fans with a first-class experience of AFL when it’s completed,” he said.

The Gold Coast Stadium will be capable of hosting cricket, entertainment and cultural events. It will include a large HD video board, merchandising outlets and catering facilities, as well as 2,000 corporate seats and amenities.

Queensland’s preliminary bid for the Commonwealth Games includes plans for a new velodrome, an upgrade to the aquatics centre, further works on the Gold Coast Stadium to accommodate track and field events and the temporary conversion of other venues. The Warner Brothers sound studio would be converted into a broadcast and media centre, along with badminton courts. Preparation and infrastructure for the games could cost $970 million.

Gemma Battenbough

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