The AUD$14.5 million (£7 million/$10 million/€9.5 million) redevelopment is set to be one of the main legacy projects of the Games.

“This is a significant project for a local Gold Coast company that will generate local jobs and deliver a world-class hockey facility that will be a lasting legacy for the community," Queensland's Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

“From design through construction, the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Hockey Centre for the 2018 Commonwealth Games will support 50 jobs for Queenslanders.

“And with this contract going to a local Gold Coast business, it means locals will be on the job leading the transformation and upgrade of the venue.

“The hockey redevelopment will include the realignment of the synthetic pitches to meet international competition requirements as well as the upgrade and expansion of the clubhouse to deliver permanent seating for 200 spectators, with capacity for 5,000 spectators at Games time.

“The upgrade will not only provide outstanding facilities for the local hockey community, it will help attract major competitions and international training camps long after Gold Coast 2018.”

Among those who attended a ceremony to mark the event were Brent Livermore, a member of the Australian hockey team that won the Olympic gold medal at Athens 2004. 

He was joined by another former Australian international, Daphne Pirie.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the announcement was a boost for jobs on the Gold Coast. 

“I’m pleased the tender for the works to the Gold Coast Hockey Centre has gone to a local firm," he said. 

"Much of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games expenditure will be on procurement, offering a wide range of business opportunities for local suppliers.

“The Gold Coast Hockey Centre is a legacy project that will ensure hockey remains a key sport on the Gold Coast beyond Gold Coast 2018 and will help attract other major competitions and international training camps in future.”

Work on expanding the existing clubhouse facility is due to start later this month and laying the world-class synthetic pitches will take place at the end of this year.

The upgrades will include expansion of the existing amenities building to incorporate new meeting rooms, kitchen and bar facilities, a function room, change rooms, toilets and permanent spectator seating overlooking the two synthetic pitches.

The Gold Coast Hockey Centre project is scheduled for completion in early 2017, 12 months ahead of the Games.