Full steam ahead for Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail
Published 30 March 2016GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND - Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail is one step closer with the Queensland Government announcing CPB Contractors (formerly Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd) as the preferred contractor for the 7.3 kilometre extension.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe announced that Stage 2 will connect the current light rail route at the Gold Coast University Hospital with the heavy rail line at Helensvale in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Plenary Group, the equity investor and financial arranger for Stage 1 of the Gold Coast Light Rail project will continue their role as a part of the GoldLinQ consortium delivering the Stage 2 extension which has received funding commitments totalling $420 million.
CPB Contractors will continue to work with GoldLinQ to refine the tender proposal with final documents expected to be signed in mid-April 2016.
Plenary Group Managing Director Paul Oppenheim said the confirmation of CPB Contractors as preferred contractor will kick off the next steps to further enhance the Gold Coast’s transport system.
“Stage 1 of the project has increased public transport usage on the Gold Coast by 25%, and Stage 2 has the potential to carry 3000 passengers as part of the Commonwealth Games transport solution and will assist in closing the gap between Brisbane and the Gold Coast,” Mr Oppenheim said.
“Stage 2 construction will provide about 1000 jobs for local workers, assisting in boosting Queensland’s economy while building the infrastructure that the State needs.”
Early works on Stage2 is expected to commence next month and CPB Contractors will engage local workers for the project.
The 7.3 kilometre extension will connect the existing light rail system with the heavy rail line at Helensvale running alongside the Smith Street Motorway.
For more information go to the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Two website.
Chris Whitefield
Executive Director, Communications
+61 3 8888 7754
+61 418 530 806
chris.whitefield@plenary.com