Commonwealth Games

Neck-and-neck race for 2018 Commonwealth Games after Evaluation report published

Thursday, 08 September 2011

By Tom Degun

September 8 – No clear front runner in the two-horse race for the 2018 Commonwealth Games has emerged after the crucial Evaluation Commission report on the rival bids from the Gold Coast and Hambantota was released.

The 144-page report was compiled by the five-person Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Commission that conducted inspections of both the Australian and Sri Lankan cities’ earlier this year.

The Commission – chaired by Scotland’s Louise Martin (pictured below at the Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium) – suggests that the Gold Coast bid provides the safer option for the CGF due to their existing infrastructure and picturesque setting but highlights potential problems with transport.

The Commission then goes on to say that, while Hambantota is a risk to the CGF as very few facilities are currently in place, their revolutionary plans could provide a blue print for future Commonwealth Games.

Although the report will leave both cities happy with their feedback, it undoubtedly adds to the growing tension with the all-important decision set for St Kitts and Nevis on November 11 at the CGF General Assembly.

Discussing the Gold Coast, the report states: "The Gold Coast presents an attractive destination in which to stage the Commonwealth Games within an experienced major host nation and underpinned by the political, financial and operational support of regional government.

"A substantial portion of the infrastructure required to stage the Games already exists, and mature, funded plans supporting infrastructure are to be developed.

"The positioning of Gold Coast as one of Australia’s leading holiday destinations ensures a substantial stock of hotel accommodation across a range of standards to meet the requirements of the Games."

However, the report expresses concerns around traffic in the Gold Coast as it says: "The existing transport system is based primarily on the road network and private cars.

"In peak times, including during the major holiday seasons, the substantial demand presents traffic challenges.

"The freeway corridor between Brisbane, anticipated to be the major gateway for international arrivals, and the main gold Coast thoroughfare, experiences heavy traffic during peak periods.

"This will require completion of the planned works on this road axis, as well as a careful plan of management to ensure that the general Games-related movements can be accommodated within the specified travel times."

Regarding the Sri Lankan bid, the report says that there are huge benefits bringing the Commonwealth Games to the country despite the fact that the majority of the venues and infrastructure have not yet been built.

"Hambantota presents an exciting opportunity for the Commonwealth Games to assist in the development of the city and the country in a substantial and impactful way," it says.

"The proposition could provide a blueprint for other Commonwealth nations."

The report praises the support for the Hambantota bid – particularly from the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa – but warns that there are risks involved with taking the Games to the city.

"The feasibility of the proposition is dependent on a number of factors, including the continued growth of the Sri Lankan economy, on-going political support and stability and the management of a substantial financing and development risk relating to the Games-specific and city-wide infrastructure programme," explains the report.

"Should the delivery of infrastructure be delayed or otherwise materially compromised, the impact on the Games and the financing of mitigation arrangements would be substantial."

The Commission’s report has been sent to all of the CGF’s 71-member nations and territories to help inform them of the technical merits of each proposal and the Commission chair Martin has paid tribute to both candidates as they approach the final stage of their battle for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

"My colleagues and I would like to thank both the candidate cities for the passion, enthusiasm and sheer hard work they’ve put into their bids," said Martin, who is also the CGF honorary secretary.

"The Commission was challenged by significant differences presented by each city.

"On the one hand, the Gold Coast presents a high level of existing infrastructure.

"Conversely, Hambantota provides the opportunity to develop a largely greenfield site.

"It’s now for the Commonwealth Games family to decide whether their athletes head to the Gold Coast or Hambantota in 2018."

Ahead of the vote, the two candidate cities will each give a short presentation to the CGF General Assembly following which will be the formal vote – which will be done electronically for the first time in CGF history.

The announcement of the Host City will occur at 6.00pm local time with both the Gold Coast and Sri Lanka set to be confident of their chances of success.

To read the full report click here.

Contact the writer of this story at tom.degun@insidethegames.biz This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Related stories

July 2011: Tom Degun – Hambantota show we have a real contest for the 2018 Commonwealth Games

June 2011: Tom Degun – Gold Coast 2018 set the standard for Hambantota to match

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+4#1Saraha Jane2011-09-09 06:48

Best Wishes for Hambantota, from England.

I was there just couple of years ago and I found how hospitality Sri Lankans are. It is a wonderful country to visit and I plan to visit there again.

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