Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has confirmed a search is set to begin to find a suitable location for a new Commonwealth House ©Getty Images

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has confirmed a search is set to begin to find a suitable location for a new Commonwealth House, which will serve as a diplomatic and business hub aimed at fostering trade during next year’s Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.

News Corp Australia has reported that the Government and council will look for a suitable venue on the coast, such as a surf club, to be turned into a Commonwealth House for the Games from April 4 to 15.

It is hoped that it will will host trade and investment discussions between Government Ministers and business leaders.

"Whether it’s a new, dedicated structure established for the Games, or space inside an existing beachside venue, Commonwealth House will open its doors to global decision-makers in the lead up to the Games so that they can see first-hand the kinds of outstanding business, trade and investment opportunities available in Queensland," Palaszczuk said.

Palaszczuk said she had raised the suggestion with Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland during talks this week in London, where the Queen’s Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace.

"She (Scotland) is supportive of the idea and is especially keen to see it provide a venue where small businesses and business women can expand their networks, markets and trade horizons," she added.

"We are committed to make the most of the state’s significant investment in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games by driving economic opportunities for the state."

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has given his backing to the proposal.

"Having a Commonwealth House on the Gold Coast gives us the opportunity to strengthen trade relationships across Commonwealth nations, while broadening our economy and creating new investment opportunities across key industries," he told News Corp Australia. 

"We are using the Games to promote the Gold Coast beyond the sporting world, showcasing our city’s reputation as a place of unique opportunity with an enviable lifestyle - a place where people can live, work, study and invest."

The proposal for a new Commonwealth House was raised during talks this week in London, where the Queen’s Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace ©Getty Images
The proposal for a new Commonwealth House was raised during talks this week in London, where the Queen’s Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace ©Getty Images

Prior to the start of the Queen’s Baton Relay on Monday (March 13), a bi-partisan mission from Australia discussed business opportunities presented by Gold Coast 2018.

The party was led by Palaszczuk and Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones.

They were joined by Tate and Peter Beattie, the chairman of Gold Coast 2018.

The delegation also included Queensland's Shadow Commonwealth Games Minister John-Paul Langbroek and Rob Borbidge, like Beattie, a former Premier.

Together, they took part in the inaugural meeting of the Commonwealth Trade Ministers in the British capital.

"We are going for gold for Queensland as part of this very important London visit that comes at a pivotal time for the Commonwealth and its new trade agenda," Palaszczuk said last Friday (March 10). 

"We are committed to driving economic opportunities for the state and our significant investment in the Commonwealth Games is an investment in the future.

"The Commonwealth’s two billion people make up 30 per cent of the world’s population and constitutes about a fifth of the gross domestic product so the opportunities for trade and business are significant."