Southport Sharks Unveils Vision for Premier Sport, Leisure, and Entertainment Precinct
Southport Sharks is thrilled to announce the next stages of its ambitious master plan, set to establish one of Australia’s premier sport, leisure, and entertainment precincts.
At the heart of the plan is a purpose-built venue designed to host 8,000 to 10,000 spectators. This landmark development will serve as a vital piece of community infrastructure, addressing the growing demands of the Gold Coast.
Southport Sharks CEO Dean Bowtell expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are excited to be progressing with the next stages of our master plan, following years of calls for a dedicated stadium on the Gold Coast. Our thorough planning and investigations confirm that Southport Sharks is the ideal location for this crucial community facility, and we are confident we can deliver a venue that is the perfect size and fit for the city.”
The facility will serve as the home ground for Southport Sharks’ senior and junior football teams, while also accommodating a diverse range of sports, leisure, and entertainment needs. This includes dedicated facilities for female athletes, provisions for outdoor live music and events, and a broad range of community amenities, such as an aquatic recovery centre, a sports science hub, and multi-sport field capabilities beyond AFL.
“We see an important role for Southport Sharks in making the Gold Coast the capital of women’s sport in Australia,” added Mr. Bowtell. “The right venue, in the right location, will be instrumental in achieving this vision as our city continues to grow.”
The stadium, designed by renowned urban design firm Urbis, aims to deliver a distinctive event-day experience while seamlessly integrating with the nearby Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and Smith Collective Village. Its central location leverages existing transport infrastructure, including two light rail stations, bus networks, and additional transit options, all enhanced by the legacy of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Beyond sports and events, the Southport Sharks master plan outlines opportunities to address critical housing shortages on the Gold Coast. Proposals include additional residential development, such as build-to-rent projects, retirement living, and affordable housing. The precinct will also feature cutting-edge facilities to support businesses, events, and broadcasting, positioning itself as a hub for Queensland’s emerging sports tech sector.
“As we look ahead to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Southport Sharks is focused on becoming a cornerstone of Queensland’s sports tech industry,” Mr. Bowtell explained. “We will continue building on our strengths, on and off the field, to foster partnerships in areas like athlete management, data analytics, wearable technology, fan engagement, and media. Our goal is to establish the precinct as a leading centre for sports tech in the state.”
The Southport Sharks master plan promises to create a vibrant, multi-faceted precinct that supports the region’s sporting ambitions, community needs, and future growth, cementing the Gold Coast’s position on the national and global stage.
In November 2024, Southport Sharks were thrilled to receive further support for the Masterplan from the GCCC’s lifestyle committee, following the vote in favour of a 30-year extension on the current lease of the reserve land surrounding the club.
This is a significant step for the club’s long-term tenure, and for realising the vision of delivering generational infrastructure for the northern Gold Coast region. The process from here, will now be for the recommendation to be put forward to full council for approval.
