The city was awarded the event last November after Australian officials agreed to spend $41 million (£26 million/€32 million) to bring the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre up to standard for an event that is considered one of the highlights of the swimming calendar.

It was agreed that the cost would be shared between Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government.

But it is only now that Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has confirmed that the $20 million (£13 million/€15 million) from the city will be set aside to keep their side of the agreement. 

The upgrade to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, which will also be a major vene for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, will include a new 10-lane 50 metre competition pool, new learn-to-swim pool, elevated spectator concourse/viewing terrace, new change room, gym and toilet facilities, community meeting rooms, event facilities, permanent seating for approximately 1,000 people, and refurbishment of the existing eight-lane 50m pool and dive pool.


"It has always been my view that we must benefit from the Games well before the opening ceremony in 2018," Tate said in his budget speech.

"Delivering this project will see the Gold Coast host the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in 2014.

"That will cement our reputation as Australia's emerging sports capital."

It will be the first time that Australia has hosted the Pan Pacific Championships, an event that the likes of Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe have previously participated in, since 1999 when Sydney staged the event as a warm-up for the 2000 Olympics and Paralympics.

The last time they were staged in Queensland was at Brisbane in 1987.

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November 2012: Gold Coast to host 2014 Pan Pacific Championships after new deal agreed