The first large development site within the former Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village has been sold, marking the beginning of the next phase of the Health and Knowledge Precinct's development.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the 4365m2 site has been bought by Griffith University, and will become the home of the University's Advanced Design Manufacturing & Prototyping (ADaPT) building.
"This is the first sale of one of 16 sites that are ready for development so it's a significant milestone for the precinct," Mr Dick said.
"This land transaction heralds a great partnership between the Palaszczuk Government and Griffith University."
"ADaPT is an $80 million facility that will use a range of advanced technologies to support the rapid development of prototypes and products for a variety of industries, including biomedical applications.
"We have moved quickly to ensure Griffith can progress their plans as soon as possible."
Griffith University Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans said, "Griffith sees our ADaPT investment as a lighthouse development for the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct to attract industry partnerships from around the globe."
The former athletes' village sits within the 200-hectare Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. There are 16 developable parcels of land on 9.5ha available for health and knowledge related businesses and enterprises.
Mr Dick said Economic Development Queensland has been hard at work on a range of initiatives, including Cohort, which provides space for incubators and start-up businesses, along with co-working spaces.
"Buildings formerly used by Commonwealth Games athletes, including a hair salon, convenience store and police station, are now being fitted out for Cohort, and we expect the space to open by mid-2019."
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said this is a great first step towards government's vision for the precinct.
"This is about attracting innovative, new industries and businesses in the health and education sector to the precinct, to diversify the Gold Coast economy and ultimately create a thriving community to live and work in."
The Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct is a 10-to-15-year project that is forecast to contribute $3 billion to the Queensland economy.
Griffith University have advised construction will commence early 2020.
