A key Gold Coast City-owned Surfers Paradise asset would be transformed into a unique community space that could also host world class music events in a bold proposal being investigated by the city.
The Gold Coast City Council resolved to support in principle the redevelopment of the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre into a Town Hall style venue which would provide a significant uplift for the suburb.
The proposal is for a venue that could host upwards of 2500 patrons for live music and cabaret shows, banquets and other corporate events, while also creating ancillary spaces that could be established for art workshops, music studios, education, civic events and community focused co-working spaces.
Division 10 Councillor Darren Taylor said the location of the Transit Centre and the history of the site made this decision an easy one.
“In January, council resolved to keep Bruce Bishop Car Park and the Transit Centre and as such the community expectation is that we will improve and make this precinct a successful proposition that works for them,” Cr Taylor said.
“The centre has been underutilised for a number of years and if we can transform this building, while retaining its unique features, we can create a multi-purpose civic asset that the community can be proud of and artists will want to perform at.
“This will also provide an opportunity for us to improve the aesthetics of the entire site.”
Cr Taylor said initial consultation with key stakeholders within the city including community organisations, business operators within Surfers Paradise and music venue operators had been very positive.
Early concepts suggest the venue could contemplate the following features:
* Venue with a maximum capacity of 2800 pax (2200 standing capacity in the main hall).
* Wrap around mezzanine balcony on three sides with 400 standing capacity and with 200 tiered seats to the rear.
* Entrance lobby and lobby facilities at the eastern end along Beach Road.
* Back of house and loading zone.
* Provision of a significant outdoor garden and laneway area for outdoor activations, ad hoc community access and use and food and beverage offerings.
The council committed $200,000 to progress the proposal for detailed design and analysis with a future budgetary consideration to progress the project in 2024-25.
