Mark Stockwell and Sara Carrigan have been named co-Mayors the the Athletes Village ©Gold Coast 2018

Former Gold Coast 2018 chairman Mark Stockwell has been appointed as a co-Mayor of the Athletes' Village for the Commonwealth Games in the Australian city.

The former swimmer, winner of three Olympic medals at Los Angeles 1984, will share the Mayor's position with Athens 2004 women’s road cycling gold medallist Sara Carrigan.

Stockwell had led the Gold Coast bid team for the Commonwealth Games, the Queensland city ultimately beating sole rivals Hambantota of Sri Lanka by 43 votes to 27 back in 2011.

He confirmed as the chairman of the Organising Committee shortly afterwards but was later controversially sacked by the Liberal National Party (LNP) State Government following their election win in 2012.

There were claims his dismissal had been due to Stockwell being appointed by Labour's former Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, who was beaten by Campbell Newman at the election.

Stockwell was replaced Nigel Chamier in May 2012, before current chairman Peter Beattie was appointed the position four years later.

A dispute over the location of the Athletes' Village for the Games was believed to have been another reason for Stockwell’s departure from his role.

He wanted to locate it Parklands, an area of the city that includes pavilions, showgrounds and function areas, however, there were opponents to the idea.

Stockwell is now set to be the co-Mayor of the complete Village in Parklands, along with Carrigan.

Co-Mayors Mark Stockwell, second right, and Sara Carrigan, second left, helped turn on a fountain located in the middle of the Athletes Village following the announcement of their appointments ©Gold Coast 2018
Co-Mayors Mark Stockwell, second right, and Sara Carrigan, second left, helped turn on a fountain located in the middle of the Athletes Village following the announcement of their appointments ©Gold Coast 2018

"I am excited to be a part of the finale of this very long journey," said Stockwell.

"I can’t wait to see the Village come to life as a home away from home for the athletes and team officials."

Along with Carrigan, who was involved in the bid and is a member of the Gold Coast 2018 Sport and Technical Committee, they will seek to ensure the village runs smoothly during the Games.

They will help to welcome teams from 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth and ensure any issues raised are resolved.

A total of 6,600 athletes and officials are expected stay in the Village throughout the duration of the Games, due to take place from April 4 to 15.

The Village comprises of 1,170 apartments and 82 townhouses, with the site scheduled to open to nations on March 25.

After the Games, the Village will be used for housing, retail, businesses, services and community infrastructure after the Games.

It will be aimed at aiding those working, studying and visiting the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.