Gold Coast Airport transformation gets green light
Gold Coast Airport (GCA) will begin a 20-year transformation after its 2024 Master Plan was approved by the federal government.
A public transport plaza, hotel accomodation and a Southern Cross University expansion have been given the go-ahead by the federal government, paving way for the Gold Coast Airport to take flight with its 20-year Master Plan.
The Master Plan will strengthen the airport’s growth leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Outlined in the Master Plan are four priorities: efficient aviation, terminal experience optimisation, smooth ground transport and mixed-use diversification.
GCA’s plan will support connectivity throughout the coast and northern NSW after extensive community engagement and stakeholder input.
Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) Chief Executive Officer Amelia Evans said GCA predicts annual passenger figures to double by 2044 to 13 million passengers.
“The mixed-use precinct will create a vibrant destination for people to work, relax, shop and connect. Our vision extends beyond being just an airport – we aim to be a destination in our own right,” Evans said.
What the Master Plan will bring to GCA
GCA’s 2024 Master Plans includes a public transport plaza, hotel accomodation, as well as a Southern Cross University expansion. Other facilities include office spaces, technology and conference hubs, health and wellness facilities, and a retail village and travel centre.
“We are a crucial value driver for the region and proudly play an important role in the economic vitality of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales,” Evans said.
She also said the Master Plan’s approval marked an exciting future for the precinct generating health, employment and social benefits for the community.
The Gold Coast region expects to see an annual contribution of nearly $990 million from the transformation.
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It will also provide more than 6000 jobs over the next two decades.
The news of the Master Plan’s approval comes after QAL sold a 74.25 percent share to KKR and Skip Capital. KKR is a leading global investment firm and Skip Capital is a private infrastructure and technology fund.
GCA completed its $260 million Southern Terminal Expansion in August 2022 which doubled the airport’s footprint.
“The future is bright for our business as we continue to expand, innovate and evolve,” Evans said.
