GCFC stadium gets funding

GOLD Coast Football Club yesterday welcomed the announcement of additional funds for the Gold Coast Stadium re-development.

The additional funding by the four funding partners takes the total construction budget to $144 million, up from $126 million, and will allow for a permanent roof on the southern stand.

GCFC chairman John Withreiff was notably chuffed.

“The Gold Coast Football Club will be very proud to call this new stadium home,” he said.

“I can’t wait to sit in the stadium with the fans and cheer on our team in the national AFL competition.

“We have recently released our membership packages for 2010, and a key benefit for joining up now is to ensure access to the best seats in the new stadium for AFL games.

“So come on Gold Coast, rise up and join us.”

As the stadium will not only provide a permanent home for GCFC but also an outstanding venue for cricket, athletics and other major community and cultural events, the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council provided much of the additional funding to the delight of AFL Chief Operating Officer, Gillon McLachlan.

“The permanent roof for the southern stand enhances the great design for the new Gold Coast stadium,” he said

“It will ensure that more than 6000 additional permanent seats are included in the stadium, and that over 75 per cent of spectators will now be able to sit under cover.

“The re-development of the stadium is on time and on budget.

“It’s a great result for the local community to be able to include environmental outcomes and enhanced facilities for spectators.”

The AFL also threw their support behind the push, with an additional $3.3 million, bringing their total contribution to $13.3m.