Squatters take over Miami building on Christine Ave after it was resumed for light rail extension

Squatters have taken over a building in a popular beachside suburb, which was left empty for almost two years after being resumed for light rail.

Squatters have been living in a Miami building left empty for almost two years after being resumed for the light rail extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Locals say the unit block at 1 Christine Ave, just a couple of doors away from the renowned Paddock Bakery, should be put to use as crisis accommodation for domestic violence victims or short-term homes for desperate local families.

Instead squatters have been seen in the building, which was previously used for social housing.

Paula Brand, who lives next door, said the squatters – who she stressed had not caused neighbours dramas – had been moved on several times.

“They pop in, they get cleaned out, and then they pop in again,” Ms Brand said.

“It’s like most homeless people. They get moved on and they just come back.”

A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the building would be demolished soon and replaced with a bus stop and traction power station for the light rail.

“Contractor John Holland began Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 early works in mid-2021, with major construction expected to start next year,” the spokesperson said.

“The property at 1 Christine Avenue will soon be demolished.

“... We appreciate the idea to use the building for short-term crisis accommodation but are contractually bound to deliver a vacant site for light rail construction.”

Signs of forced entry at 1 Christine Avenue in Miami. Picture: Keith Woods.

A broken window at 1 Christine Avenue in Miami. Picture: Keith Woods.

However Ms Brand said locals had been told the light rail was coming “for two years”, and leaving the building empty was an “utter waste”.

“There’s no sign of the light rail,” Ms Brand said.

“What we’re asking for is it just to be used as a DV short term place.

“Most DV refuges work under six-week programs.

“For two years we’ve looked at this building empty and we just want it used.”

How the traction power station that will replace the building will look. Picture: TMR.

Local MP Ray Stevens said the problem was that the light rail extension was too long in coming, making it inevitable that squatters would move into the building.

“That’s exactly what happens when people don’t understand that an empty old building like that is going to bring (squatters) into the area,” Mr Stevens said.

“It’s in a very high profile location.

“... The problem is that the light rail has been delayed for so long.

“The government promised that it would be started and well under construction by this year. It’s not even close.”

Neighbour Paula Brand at the building. Picture: Jerad Williams

The Bulletin last month revealed that a contract between the state government and John Holland Group to build Stage 3 of the tram line remains unsigned.

The project is now at least two years behind the original estimate of a 2023 opening date.

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Originally published as Squatters take over Miami building on Christine Ave after it was resumed for light rail extension