Newman Government delivers Gold Coast racing upgrade

Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
The Honourable Steven Dickson
07/07/2012

The Newman Government today continued its pledge to rejuvenate the Queensland racing industry with a leading architecture firm named to handle the Gold Coast Turf Club (GCTC) upgrade.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson said Racing Queensland announced HBO+EMTB would deliver the GCTC plan.

Mr Dickson said funding for the redevelopment project was provided as part of the LNP's $110 million commitment for racing infrastructure improvements.

"Projects like this are just one of the many ways I'm determined to rebuild racing across Queensland," Mr Dickson said.

"With HBO+EMTB on board, I'm excited to see Racing Queensland and the GCTC's shared vision for a world class club facility become a reality."

HBO+EMTB has an impressive record having been involved in projects such as the High Court of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia and the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Mr Dickson said works in the first stage of the GCTC project included renovations of the existing grandstand lounge, bar and restaurant facilities.

Stage two is scheduled to start following the 2013 Magic Millions.

Racing Queensland Limited chairman Kevin Dixon said he was very pleased at the allocation of funds for the first stages of work from the Newman Government and looked forward to working with HBO+EMTB.

"This high-ranking firm of international architects has a strong background in the hospitality and gaming sector, recently completing major works for Crown Casino in Melbourne and hotel projects in a number of countries across the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

"With work starting in September we will see the first stages of the development in time for the 2013 Magic Millions Carnival which is one of the most important dates in the racing calendar."