Pimpama sporting hub crowned ‘best in city’
IT’S being called the best community facility ever built on the Gold Coast – and as these aerial photographs show, across 14ha it will be among the largest.
The tourist strip has some world-class offerings, such as the Broadwater Parklands, HOTA and The Spit, where a major makeover is under way.
But the new Pimpama Sports Hub is custom-built for residents, and it will freshen up their lifestyle options in the fast-growing north of the city, a 30km drive from the beaches.
The Bulletin can reveal the sports hub is completed with a final price tag of $94m, ready for its official opening on December 17.
Deputy Mayor Donna Gates, who was involved in lobbying for the asset more than six years ago, said: “It (the official opening) can’t come quick enough. It’s the best facility I’ve seen in the city. One million people a year are expected through the gates.”
Some slight delays in completing the hub have given council ample time to employ and train more than 40 staff needed to run the facility.
The huge site on the corner of Rifle Range and Bull roads features a clubhouse with a kiosk that can be used for public and club use.
Twelve netball courts with lights and audio, six court shade structures and a com- munity park and events space will cater for 3000 patrons.
The community park has a shaded playground and picnic facilities, and a 1km walking, running and cycling trail with distance markers.
Aerial photographs show- case the 275 solar panels in- stalled on the clubhouse,
which help power the facility. The aquatic centre features five pools, including a 50m Olympic-standard pool and fitness centre. The tennis centre features eight competition-standard courts.
Pool entry prices are $6.40 for adults and $4.80 for children from two to 15 years along with pensioners and students.
The response from residents on a Facebook page for Ms Gates has been overwhelmingly positive.
Some are posting “go northern Gold Coast” and others welcoming the solar panels and “sustainable” approach to the project.
“It’s quite amazing – the netball courts and tennis
courts and gym. There is a community meeting room and stage,” Ms Gates said.
“It was first raised at a meeting with the mayor (Tom Tate) in 2015. We made it a platform for the 2016 election. It’s all done. The only thing that might happen will be some overflow carparking in the future.”
IT CAN’T COME QUICK ENOUGH. IT’S THE BEST FACILITY I’VE SEEN IN THE CITY. ONE MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR ARE EXPECTED THROUGH THE GATES
DEPUTY MAYOR DONNA GATES