Glasgow to hand over to Australia’s Gold Coast for Commonwealth Games 2018

The magnificent Gold Coast in South East Queensland won the vote as host of the 2018 Commonwealth Games yesterday, by 43-27, from South East Africa’s island of Sri Lanka.

The fact that the Gold Coast already has the facilities required was a major factor in the decision, with Sri Lanka in for major infrastructural and construction projects.

In 2018 we will be ready to host a unique world-class and friendly event that builds on the Commonwealth brand and enhances our city’s reputation.

Anna Bligh, the Premier of Queensland, who was in the Caribbean at St Kitts for the vote, said that Gold Coast would be ready to host a unique world-class and friendly event in 2018, building on the Commonwealth brand and boosting the Gold Coast’s profile.

With the Sydney Olympics staying long in the memory as a wonderfully well organised, communally supported and feel good event, Gold Coast starts with a following wind.

Glasgow can look forward to a fun handover in 2014 and, although Brisbane, just north of the Gold Coast, is a separate city, it could be a good one for Glasgow City Council to consider a formal relationship with. Its City Cat river ferry service could be replicated in Glasgow to the great benefit of the city, residents and visitors and its use of stadia of varying sizes in and around the city for a wide range of entertainments events creates an enviable programme that contributes strongly to both the city lifestyle and its economy.