DLA Piper has advised Keolis Downer Gold Coast Pty Ltd to financial close on Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail project in Queensland.

Keolis Downer is a joint venture between Keolis Australia Pty Ltd and Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd.

Since 2011, DLA Piper has been advising Keolis Downer on all phases of Stage 1 of the PPP project – including the bid, financial close, construction and operation phases – and has now advised Keolis Downer to successful financial close on Stage 2.

Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail will connect the existing light rail system to the heavy rail network at Helensvale station.

Keolis Downer will continue to operate and maintain Stage 1 of the light rail system while CPB Contractors is designing and constructing Stage 2. Upon practical completion of Stage 2, Keolis Downer will operate and maintain the extended alignment.

The DLA Piper team was led by DLA Piper's Asia Pacific Transport and PPP Practice Head Alex Guy, with support from senior foreign legal associates Brendan Hanvey and Kim Broadbent, special counsel José de Ponte, and solicitors Kate McKenzie and Codie Gippel.

Alex Guy said:  "DLA Piper is pleased to have partnered with Keolis Downer on another successful project, creating additional infrastructure for the Gold Coast before the 2018 Commonwealth Games."