What’s on Gold Coast: Why we’re being encouraged to explore Southport after dark

A free after-dark event series will soon take over an empty lot in a bid to attract a new crowd to the CBD. FULL DETAILS >>>

WHEN the sun goes down, the Gold Coast CBD will come alive with a new music and arts fiesta.

A free after-dark event series boasting roller girls, arcade games, disco tunes and drag queen Natasha St James will soon take over an empty lot in a bid to attract a new crowd to the precinct.

CBD Sundown kicks off this Friday night at Regent Lane, Southport, and offers 18+ patrons a range of creative pop-ups while they sample local food and bars.

Council is launching a new free after-dark event in Southport targeted at 18+. Left to right, Gus Irwin, Greg Meyers, Arran Woollams, Tarsha Christie, Michelle Le Plastrier and Leila Kirk from local businesses around the CBD get ready for the party. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mayor Tom Tate said the event would entice Gold Coasters to rediscover Southport after dark and support businesses in the area.

“Wander down the laneway and immerse yourself in the art installations or try your hand at a free paint and sip session under the stars,” he said.

“Once 9pm rolls around, event goers can check out the nearby CBD bars and venues.”

CBD Sundown is an ongoing program that will involve activations in the CBD on the last Friday of each month until June 2022.

CBD Sundown event details:

When: Friday September 24, 6pm – 9pm

Where: Regent Lane, Southport

Cost: Free

Getting there: Catch the G:Link every 15 minutes to Southport Station

Left to right, Gus Irwin, Greg Meyers, Tarsha Christie, Michelle Le Plastrier, Arran Woollams, and Leila Kirk from local businesses around the CBD get ready for the party. Picture Glenn Hampson

Why Gold Coast’s Australia Fair shopping centre needs revamp – September 15

THE owner of a popular Glitter Strip shopping centre has flagged plans for a major overhaul after social media users blasted it as “shabby” and a “ghost town”.

A thousand people responded ‘yes’ to a Gold Coast Bulletin Facebook poll asking if Australia Fair needed a complete makeover, compared to nine people who voted ‘no’.

Among the complaints about the centre from social media users were broken escalators, its “dated” appearance, rain leaking through the roof and a lack of retailers.

Australia Fair is privately owned by YFG Shopping Centres.

Centre manager Ramon Otten responded to the backlash, saying Covid had stalled works.

He said the owner was committed to an ongoing rejuvenation program along with a proposed upgrade of the escalators.

“Plans are currently underway to upgrade areas of the shopping centre and we hope to share details with the community in the coming months,” Mr Otten said.

“We also have a number of new stores opening their doors in the lead up to Christmas, joining the centre’s offerings.

Ian Kennedy, President of the Southport Chamber of Commerce.

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“These include Zhang Laing, a new Malatang restaurant offering, Priceline with fully lined pharmacy and doctors’ surgery and Elman Café and Grill.

“Works are currently underway with a total redevelopment of (the) level 12 office space.”

Australia Fair has injected $50 million into the Southport centre over the past five years.

This included a $15 million makeover of the centre’s western section into Australia Fair Metro in 2016 and a $5 million food court upgrade in 2018.

Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Southport Chamber of Commerce president Ian Kennedy said shoppers could support the centre’s future by voting with their feet and wallets.

“Australia Fair would want to see pedestrian numbers pick up in the Southport CBD and shoppers coming into the centre more would encourage them to spend more money on the centre,” Mr Kennedy said.

“I would love to see it open out towards the broadwater more with avenues of restaurants leading towards the broadwater.

“That would tie in with the vision people have put forward a few times of putting Marine Parade and parking underground.

“It would really change the face of Southport. It would make it a world-class CBD.”

Division 6 Councillor Brooke Patterson said the revamp of Australia Fair had the potential to create a “seismic shift” in perception not only for the centre, but the broader CBD.

“I welcome this wholeheartedly as a key element of our future CBD strategy,” Cr Patterson said.

“The transformation of the CBD is real and happening right now. The potential of the CBD as Australia’s fastest growing city is being realised.”

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Originally published as What’s on Gold Coast: Why we’re being encouraged to explore Southport after dark