Global consortium AmplifyGC, headquartered in Australia, has been selected as the shortlisted proponent to progress the Gold Coast Arena transaction – a legacy venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The consortium brings together global infrastructure developer and investor Plenary Group, who specialises in public private partnership (PPPs) and the development of major precincts, alongside Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company. Together they bring decades of experience in global arena development, operations and event programming experience.
The consortium also includes leading Australian-owned construction and property group Built as design and construct contractor – bringing more than 20 years of delivery experience in Queensland – supported by Cox Architecture and 3XN as lead architects.
Invest Gold Coast, the City’s economic development and investment attraction entity, will now work with AmplifyGC through the next stage of the transaction process Request for Proposal (RFP) to refine investment options, delivery and design for the minimum 12,000 seat venue at Carey Park, Southport.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was delighted at the high calibre of AmplifyGC and its global strength for the next phase of the public private partnership transaction.
“With a single proponent, we waste no time in getting into the finer planning, investment options and detailed design,” he said.
“We can move swiftly as a designated Olympic venue to ensure the arena is delivered by 2030 – well ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The world’s eyes are on the Gold Coast and the level of interest in this major public infrastructure legacy project is a sign of the city’s status.
“We are strategically growing our cultural capital. Cities around the world increasingly view creative industries as strategic assets for attracting investment, supporting innovation ecosystems and strengthening economic competitiveness.
“Gold Coast is the fastest growing city in Australia and capital investors understand the opportunities to be part of our rise as a powerhouse city in the Asia Pacific.”
Plenary Group Head of Development Sergio Calcarao said the AmplifyGC team was thrilled to be partnering with City of Gold Coast to deliver what will be an iconic piece of legacy infrastructure for South East Queensland.
“Our collective experience here and overseas make us ideally placed to deliver on the exciting vision for the Gold Coast Arena,” said Mr Calcarao.
“Our integrated delivery and operating model will ensure, fast tracked delivery, world-class operations and a whole-of-life approach. That will provide value-for-money for the City and delivers measurable economic, cultural and social outcomes for the community.”
Live Nation Australia & New Zealand Senior Vice President – Venue Development Guy Ngata said the Arena would play a central role in the Gold Coast’s future as a live entertainment destination.
“AmplifyGC’s vision is to shape the next chapter of live entertainment on the Gold Coast. Beyond the Olympics, the arena will position the city as a destination for global touring – driving economic growth, strengthening the region’s cultural life, and giving international and local artists a world-class stage for the next generation of live entertainment,” said Mr Ngata.
The shortlisted proponent from the Expressions of Interest (EOI) was endorsed by Council of the City of Gold Coast on Tuesday 10 March after a closed council meeting.
The EOI sought expressions of interest to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the city’s largest indoor entertainment and sports venue. Respondents were assessed on design vision, value for money, capacity, capability and Olympic readiness.
Invest Gold Coast will issue a process deed to AmplifyGC which sets out the next steps of the transaction.
It is expected the project agreement will be executed in early 2027 and construction to commence soon after.