Calls for Caxton Street to channel Las Vegas icon Fremont Street with traffic closure and roof

There are calls for huge changes to the iconic Caxton Street to transform the precinct into an entertainment mecca inspired by Las Vegas.

There are calls for Brisbane’s iconic Caxton Street to be transformed into a permanent pedestrian party precinct modelled on the famous Fremont Street in Las Vegas in a bid to ignite the strip’s tourism potential.

Caxton Street was closed to vehicle traffic and turned into a pumping fan zone during last weekend’s Magic Round and Suncorp Stadium boss Alan Graham believes it has the potential to become a tourist attraction in its own right to drive visitation during traditionally quiet periods outside of major events.

He said closing the street to traffic and adding a roof overhead – similar to Fremont Street in Vegas, would transform the precinct and open possibilities for the area’s traders.

Artist impressions of what Caxton Street could look like inspired by Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Picture: Suncorp Stadium.

His call was backed by Caxton Street Development Association boss Sarosh Mehta and Flight Centre founder Graham “Skroo” Turner, but while Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner supported future temporary measures, he said it wasn’t “really practical” to make it a full-time proposition.

Fremont Street is one of Sin City’s most iconic tourist attractions, with visitors entertained by roving performers, outdoor bars, sound and light shows and even a high-octane zip line.

Mr Graham said Caxton Street had the potential to offer similar experiences for visitors.

“You only needed to walk down Caxton Street during Magic Round to see what kind of atmosphere it generated, but there are only 55-70 events a year (at the stadium).

“There’s a lot of issues to work through such as traffic management plans and community consultation, but you’ve got an opportunity to make something capable of bringing visitors in 365 days a year.

“It’s definitely something worth looking at.”

NRL fans soak up the action in Fremont Street during the opening round weekend in Las Vegas in March. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Mr Mehta, who studied in the US and regularly visited Fremont Street in Vegas, was thrilled at the success of Magic Round for the Caxton Street traders, but said there needed to be more compelling reasons to bring visitors to the area.

“We’re the gateway to Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium) and in the future we will be the gateway to the Olympics, so there is an opportunity and a reason to create something truly special,” he said.

“We can’t just depend on the nights when there are games on – what about the rest of the year?

“Something like what Alan is talking about, you could have footpath dining extending out into the street and create a much bigger space – the traders would love it.”

Mr Turner said it was important to offer new experiences for visitors and a traffic-free entertainment hub on Caxton Street ticked the box.

“There’s no perfect location for something like that, but if you were going to do it anywhere, Caxton Street would be the place,” he said.

“It is walking distance from the city and it would turn that area into a year-round destination instead of just when games are on.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the state government was “open to discussions” about any proposals which could add to the city’s tourist appeal.

“There’s no doubt that Magic Round has reignited a passion for the Cauldron at Suncorp Stadium, and anyone who attended, or watched a match, would have been blown away by the atmosphere,” he said.

“We are open to discussions about any developments that can enhance our city’s reputation as a premier tourism destination.”

Maddy Lenard, Ashley Mitchell, Kira Wilson and Georgia McNee in Caxton Street during Magic Round. Picture: Annette Dew

However, Mr Schrinner appeared to pour cold water on the concept.

“Our decision to close Caxton Street during Magic Round has been a raging success because it has helped build an even bigger festival atmosphere for fans, which will keep them coming back,” he said.

We’re excited to explore even more opportunities to temporarily close streets during major events because this will help grow tourism and make Brisbane’s lifestyle even better.

“However, while I certainly support growing the Caxton Street festival feel during big games at Suncorp Stadium, a permanent closure of Caxton Street isn’t really practical because it remains an important transport route for residents.”

Originally published as Calls for Caxton Street to channel Las Vegas icon Fremont Street with traffic closure and roof