Urbis’ public realm design for the Gold Coast Stadium (Heritage Bank/Metricon Stadium) addressed many challenging design issues. The design seamlessly integrated the new stadium into the large surrounding community parklands ensuring the landscape embraced the building.
Built as the home to one of AFL’s newest franchises, the Gold Coast Suns, the stadium’s 25,000 seat capacity allowed for an increase to 40,000 seats for major events. This future proofing design has allowed the stadium and its surrounds to be transformed into the main stadium for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Pedestrian and vehicular flows were designed for an event such as this.
The integration of a bus hub into the pedestrian plaza allowed for a seamless transition for patrons travelling to and from the facility via public transport. The stadium is a state-of-the-art yet cost effective and flexible community facility.
The project has won a number of awards, including:
- Helen Josephson Award for Innovation in Urban Design – 2011 Gold Coast Urban Design Awards
- Best Use of Sustainability – QLD Master Builders Association 2012 Awards
- Sporting Project over $20 million – QLD Master Builders Association 2012 Awards
- Best Engineering Project in Steel Design – Australia Institute of Steel 2012 Awards
- Best Large Project – Australia Institute of Steel 2012 Awards
- Runner Up for Project of the Year – QLD Master Builders Association 2012 Awards
- Finalist – 2012 Stadium Business Awards, Turin, Italy
- Regional Commendation – 2012 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Region
