Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is among the venues to have experienced a big economic upturn since the Commonwealth Games last year ©SRTE Pty Ltd

Venues used for last year's Commonwealth Games generated AUD$62 million (£35 million/$43 million/€38 million) in economic returns in the first six months after they were reopened, Gold Coast City Council has claimed. 

Following a six-month closure to host the Games in 2018, new data published by Gold Coast City Council shows that following the reopening of the venues in June 2018, Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Coomera Indoor Sports Centre and Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre each experienced a big increase in overall bookings and operations, Australasian Leisure Management reported. 

The report revealed "the first six months of the post-Games operations has seen the major sporting venues and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre host more than 323 events and functions, generating more than [AUD] $61,399,102 (£37,901,084/$42,268,973/€37,901,084) in local economic benefits".

Together, the venues had staged 390 event days, secured more than AUD$1 million (£566,000/$688,000/€617,000) in event hire revenue and hosted more than 594,000 customers, the report also revealed. 

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre had attracted more than 22,000 customers at 246 events giving an economic return to the city of more than AUD$15 million (£8.5 million/$10.5 million/€9.5 million), the report claimed. 

The report added "event clients are now booking their event in advance with 50 events currently booked for 2020 covering 313 event days."

The Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre is among venues to have enjoyed a successful period since reopening after last year's Commonwealth Games ©Gold Coast City Council
The Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre is among venues to have enjoyed a successful period since reopening after last year's Commonwealth Games ©Gold Coast City Council

Gold Coast City Council staff claim they are dealing with multi-year bookings and larger clients want to seal deals for 2021 and 2022.

People counters at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, which hosted badminton, powerlifting, weightlifting and wrestling during the Commonwealth Games, have recorded more than 250,000 spectators and athletes so far this year.

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at Southport has 52 events booked for this year, covering 140 days.

"We made a decision to invest in the Commonwealth Games so we could deliver sporting and events infrastructure that would grow the Gold Coast’s tourism industry," Queensland Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

"This data proves that plan is working.

"What’s exciting is the best is yet to come – we’re seeing stronger bookings than ever for our Games venues which will have a great flow-on effect for local businesses."