Calls to close Caxton St for major events after record Magic Round trade
One pub ran out of beer several times as Caxton St businesses enjoyed a record trade over Magic Round, leading to a proposal to close the iconic street again for major events. HAVE YOUR SAY, VOTE
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One pub ran out of beer several times as Caxton St businesses enjoyed a record trade over Magic Round, leading to a proposal to close the iconic street again for major events.
Brisbane’s Caxton St precinct has enjoyed its biggest trading weekend in history, after being closed to traffic for the NRL Magic Round.
Almost 150,000 fans from across Queensland and interstate packed into the strip as every match of the round was played at Suncorp Stadium.
It has led to calls for Caxton St in Petrie Terrace to be closed off to vehicles and operate as an entertainment precinct for major events.
Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said he was “keen to explore more opportunities” regarding future closures for major events.
“The massively successful NRL Magic Round showed yet again that major events are magic for Brisbane’s economy with every dollar spent supporting local businesses and local jobs,” Mayor Schrinner said.
“The closure of Caxton Street during this year’s Magic Round added an exciting new element to the weekend and all the feedback I have heard so far has been really positive.
“I’m keen to explore more opportunities where we can help create a festival atmosphere around big events occurring at Suncorp Stadium, such as State of Origin, major rugby matches and global music acts.
“While we can rule out a permanent closure, we will talk to local traders about their experience and whether there’s support for closing Caxton Street more often during major events.”
The latest edition of the popular rugby league event, which has been confirmed for another three years, saw the Caxton Hotel enjoy a record trading period according to part-owner Ross Farquhar.
“It was our biggest ever and it was, from our point of view, a resounding success,” Mr Farquhar said.
“It was phenomenally busy, it was pretty close to having two and a half origins in one weekend.
“From a Caxton point of view, the NRL, the stadium, and the street did a fantastic job.”
Mr Farquhar added that it was so busy that the venue ran out of beer a few times.
“The trade was phenomenal. Our biggest problem was running out of stock and getting more stock,” he said.
“Fortunately, we had some good suppliers, particularly XXXX who made special deliveries on Saturday and Sunday, which they don’t normally do.
“We went through probably 250 to 300 kegs of beer.”
Brewski Bar owner Antoinette Pollock also enjoyed record trade over the Magic Round bonanza.
“It was our biggest trade weekend,” Ms Pollock said.
“It was an awesome vibe really, it was just awesome to see so many different jerseys, the fun rivalry between the different teams and supporters.”
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