Exclusive: the $138 million plan to revitalise Surfers Paradise and return the tourismhearttoitsglorydays
Surfers Paradise is to be given its biggest makeover yet with a $138 million plan to revitalise it. SEE THE PLANS AND
PICS By Paul Weston. 2 min read February 17, 2023 – 7:16 AM Gold Coast BulletinSurfers Paradise is to be given its biggest makeover yet with a $138 million plan to green-up the tourism heart.
The Bulletin can reveal Cavill Mall will boast “green rooms” so it can be activated with events during the day and night, and extending its reach west to the Nerang River.
Council proposes “connecting water to water” as Cavill Avenue is the one street in Surfers Paradise which directly connects The Esplanade and beach to the river
Designs for The Esplanade create a series of green bays reaching out onto the beach.
Changes for The Esplanade under the Surfers Paradise revitalisation plan.
“The design for The Esplanade maintains its role as a pedestrian boardwalk but also creates a series of plazas defined by ‘headlands’,” a report to council says.
“They take inspiration from the Gold Coast’s coastal strip of iconic headlands and points — Currumbin, Burleigh, Miami and Coolangatta. As grassed knolls, the headlands add substantial greenery to The Esplanade, shaded by tree canopies.
“Each headland is accompanied by an architectural canopy which provides all-weather shelter for relaxation and social gathering, or they can be used for pop-up cafes and band performance stages.
“It is proposed that the canopies support roof gardens which, when viewed from the air, will blend with the headland landscapes. It is possible that one of the canopy roofs could be accessible as a deck looking out over The Esplanade and beach.”
City officers after 18 months of stakeholder consultation led by area councillor Darren Taylor will present their findings at an economy, events and tourism committee meeting on Tuesday.
Cr Taylor is seeking support for a first stage spend of $90 million which will kick off further community and business engagement. The timing of the design delivery will allow for construction to start in 2023-24.
Some of the designs for the Surfers Paradise revitalisation project.The City in late 2019 conducting surveying and found 46 per cent of people interviewed were dissatisfied with the Surfers Paradise precinct, identifying the need for better pedestrian connections, mobility, public safety, shade and active public spaces.
Plans for Surfers Paradise and Cavill Avenue.
“Construction of stage one would start in from mid-2025 with completion due after 2027. It wouldn’t take that long, I expect,” Cr Taylor said.
“It’s a game changer for Surfers. It’s important that we don’t half do it. I think we have half done them every time previously.
“We have to be serious about it. We are growing as a city now. There’s higher density, a lot more locals and visitors. We need to be the showcase.”
Officers in their report said the overall aim of the concept design is to “rekindle the love people had for Surfers Paradise”.
Some of the plans include now popular 1970s designs and architecture.
“Through a re-imagination of its history, revitalisation of Cavill Avenue and The Esplanade as a world-class lifestyle and entertainment destination will entice locals back and provide visitors with a memorable experience,” the report said.
“The end goal is to create a place where visitors and tourists will come to experience Surfers Paradise as ‘the place the locals go’ — a place of global relevance and a world-class destination.”