Deconstruction phase getting into full swing
JUST as the Commonwealth Games marked one of the largest temporary construction efforts the Gold Coast has ever seen, the deconstruction is expected to be just as mammoth.
With all materials set to be packed up and removed by August, teams of contractors have already descended on the city.
Removal of temporary additions such as the extra seating at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, 22,000m of road and perimeter fencing and the Commonwealth Games branding extras are first on the list to go.
For GOLDOC General Manager of Venues and Services Ian Whitehead, his Commonwealth Games task is now at its halfway point, with the deconstruction ahead of him.
“So what we do now is work with our contractors, to watch temporary assets bump out as part of our planned program,” Mr Whitehead said.
“The project is a massive jigsaw puzzle. No one piece is harder than the other, we just need to work through the process.
“Our intent is to return the facilities back as quickly as possible, the process works exactly the same way as we bump in, only in reverse,” he said.
This means aesthetic additions such as signage, were the first to go yesterday.”
Cabling materials and temporary power sources will follow along with the seating and scaffolding structures.
“Anything with a temporary look will come out first,” Mr Whitehead said.
A number of key Commonwealth Games additions will however remain, with the details of their permanent home to be hammered out between State and local government as part of the GC2018 legacy program.
“Extras such as medal podiums remain part of the legacy, sporting equipment will also be offered to sporting groups and other items as determined by the State Government,” he said.
“We just hope the community remembers the event with a sense of pride, and that the crowds attending the venues enjoyed the spectacle and sport,” he said.