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By Emily Burman, Bond University journalism Student
The new Varsity Lakes Sports House will become a hub for community sports and recreation, after officially opening to the public at the weekend.
Designed for watercraft storage, boat launches, sports programs and meetings, the facility is a welcome addition to the community.
The Gold Coast Dragon Boating Club, Varsity Lakes College and Gold Coast Master Rowers are among some of the local sporting clubs already making use of the Sports House.
The multi-purpose facility was developed as part of a joint venture between Lend Lease, Gold Coast City Council and Varsity Lakes Community Limited.
After selling the land to the council, Lend Lease used the sale profit to develop the Sports House facility, while the council oversaw the grounds and parking lot.
The Sports House will be managed by Varsity Lakes Community Limited, which was granted a 15-year lease for the council-owned facility.
Lend Lease Manager of Sports and Recreation Dean Patterson said the Sports House was a unique model and a brilliant facility.
“The original vision was to challenge traditional sports house models and provide a highly functional facility with a welcoming environment for the community and local sports clubs,” he said.
“The project is the result of a large community effort with funding from local businesses and individuals, including donated building materials.”
Gold Coast City Council contributed $315,000 to the project and Division 11 Councillor Jan Grew was a guest at the opening on Saturday, along with residents and participating sports clubs.
Varsity resident Fiona Abdallah said the Sports House was a unique initiative that would benefit the whole community.
“It’s a great hub for water sports and the office space will be really useful for businesses and local functions,” she said.
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