FAQs
- Runaway Bay Sports Precinct West (for example, the Luke Harrop Memorial Circuit, cricket ovals, fields, netball and tennis courts, skate park)
- Runaway Bay Sports Precinct East (for example, the rugby fields, soccer fields, athletics track and oval)
- Community Facilities (for example, the SES, Runaway Bay Library, Community Centre and Youth Centre)
- Runaway Bay Indoor Stadium.
What is the master plan?
The Runaway Bay Sports Precinct Master Plan will guide the delivery of new and renewed infrastructure and facilities in the Precinct over the next 20 years. By creating a master plan, we can ensure that the Precinct is designed strategically and that we are using the space to its highest potential.
Why are we developing a plan for the precinct?
The Runaway Bay Sports Precinct has grown over time with limited strategic direction, resulting in a layout that has some issues with accessibility (both cars and pedestrian), and has constraints in the types of sports, events and services it can offer.
As the local population grows, so does the impact on our facilities and services. The master plan provides development direction to ensure the area becomes a first-class, accessible and sustainable precinct.
How was the master plan developed?
The master plan has been prepared with extensive community and stakeholder input. The City initially undertook a Community Services and Facilities Review (which included significant community consultation), as well as workshops and discussions with key users of the site about the current uses, constraints and potential future use of the site.
We also undertook significant site analysis and modelling to develop a draft master plan. The draft master plan was presented to the community in 2025 for feedback.
Based on this feedback, the master plan was updated and finalised before being adopted by Council in October 2025.
What areas of the precinct are included in the master plan?
All areas of the precinct that are managed by the City of Gold Coast are included in the plan. This includes;
This master plan does not include the Gold Coast Performance Centre, as this facility is owned and managed by the Queensland Government. We have been working closely with stakeholders from the Centre in developing this plan, to ensure both areas are well aligned into the future.
When will these changes take place?
The master plan will guide development of the site over the next 20 years and includes a plan for implementation. This plan will guide key actions, Including detailed design, budgeting, and timeframes for changes to the precinct.
Will there be any more opportunities to have a say?
Yes. The master plan is now finalised and will guide future development of the site. As individual projects progress, there will be opportunities for community input to help shape the design. To be notified when new projects are open for feedback, sign up to the GCHYS newsletter.
What's currently offered at the Runaway Bay Sports Precinct?
The Runaway Bay Sports Precinct is a premier sporting precinct offering indoor and outdoor facilities for a range of sport including athletics, basketball, cricket, cycling, hockey, netball, pickleball, tai-chi, tennis, triathlon, rugby league, soccer and many others. The site is also home to a number of informal recreation activities, with facilities provided for BMX, skateboarding, picnics and dog exercising in a designated off-leash area.
The Precinct also includes The Runaway Bay Library and Community Centre, a youth centre, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance, State Emergency Services, and the Gold Coast Performance Centre (operated and managed by the Department of Tourism and Sport).
How can I see more details of the draft master plan?
The final master plan will remain high-level, and will not include detailed designs of buildings or infrastructure. The aim of the plan is to guide the new and renewed infrastructure, and propose the best layout of the Precinct – it’s not meant to provide detailed designs of specific buildings. We will always seek stakeholder and community feedback on proposed designs of new or renewed infrastructure in the precinct.
When will these changes take place?
Once approved, the master plan will guide development of the site over the next 20 years. When the master plan is finalised later this year, we will then develop an Implementation Plan. This plan will guide key actions and the timelines for changes to the precinct.
What's currently offered at the Runaway Bay Sports Precinct?
The Runaway Bay Sports Precinct is a premier sporting precinct offering indoor and outdoor facilities for a range of sport including athletics, basketball, cricket, cycling, hockey, netball, pickleball, tai-chu, tennis, triathlon, rugby league, soccer and many others. The site is also home to a number of informal recreation activities, with facilities provided for BMX, darts, skateboarding, picnicking, and dog exercising in a designated off-leash area.
The Precinct also includes a public library and community centre, a youth centre, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance, State Emergency Services, and the Gold Coast Performance Centre (operated and managed by the Department of Tourism and Sport).
Current site map