COX Reappointed to Continue Gold Coast Aquatic Centre’s Legacy
The City of Gold Coast has recently reappointed COX to deliver the Masterplan of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre (Aquatic Centre) for the next 20 years. Repurposed and expanded by COX in 2014 from the 1960s Southport Pool, the Aquatic Centre is a legacy venue completed for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. This reappointment speaks to the growing demand and success of the venue, which has become a cornerstone for high-performance sports across Australia.
COX Director, Richard Coulson
The proven success of the venue has driven its expansion. We were delighted to learn that it served as a training centre for athletes who brought home four gold and five silver medals at the recent 2024 Paris Olympics. The ongoing goal is to ensure the venue supports both elite athletes and remains a cherished community hub.
The Aquatic Centre received the 2015 Queensland State Architecture Award for Public Architecture, recognising its status as a world-class facility that seamlessly integrates legacy and overlay elements to accommodate major international events. Completed four years before the 2018 Commonwealth Games and just in time for the 2014 Pan Pacific Games, the venue now serves as an outstanding community facility offering expansive aquatic and fitness amenities while retaining the flexibility to host large-scale sporting competitions.
COX’s design approach was rooted in environmental sensitivity, with the concept of interconnected pools set within earth berms that promote a visual connection with the surrounding Broadwater Parklands. Inspired by classical colonnades, the design creates sightlines that connect with the landscape, while the use of simple materials such as concrete and hardwood ensures a timeless, durable aesthetic.
Looking to the future, the City of Gold Coast has again turned to COX. The updated master plan work aims to enhance the venue’s capacity to meet growing demands, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for athletes and the local community alike.
This reappointment underscores the success of COX’s original redevelopment design and reflects our commitment to delivering long-lasting, impactful infrastructure. As with other landmark sports projects such as Anna Meares Velodrome and the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre will continue to evolve as a legacy venue that serves the public for generations to come.
