Artesian Hospitality to run former Helm bar in Surfers Paradise on Gold Coast
A troubled Surfers Paradise watering hole is set to finally get a new lease of life after closing 18 months ago.
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SURFERS Paradise is poised to get a new waterfront venue with a major hospitality operator taking over a prime site at the formerly thriving riverfront.
Colliers International’s Ryan Chandler confirmed to the Bulletin that Artesian Hospitality will take over the leasehold for former waterfront watering hole Helm which has been empty for 18 months.
Artesian Hospitality managing partner Matthew Keegan, behind an under-construction ambitious new rooftop beach club in Surfers Paradise called Cali Beach Club, declined to comment.
Helm closed in September, 2019 after the company behind the business, CB No 5, went into voluntary administration owing money to the tax department, landlord and bank.
Mr Keegan’s Cali plans – hailed by Mayor Tom Tate and city tourism powerhouse Paul Donovan – are for a $10 million beach club and leisure precinct for 2000 people occupying the entire roof of a corner site in central Surfers Paradise. The plans include beach-edge pools, VIP cabanas, a world-class restaurant with ocean views plus premium dining outlets, bars and open-air cinema.
A beach volleyball area is also understood to be included.
The ex-Helm bar, next to the Nerang River, has gone through a number of name and operator changes since 2007.
Before it was Helm, it was known as Titanium bar and home to the Gold Coast Titans from 2007 to 2012. Prior, it traded as the Pink Elephant Bar.
The leasehold for the tavern was sold by Asia-based Shangri-La, which purchased the bar for $46 million in a package with the neighbouring Vibe Hotel. The property is held via Sunny View Property.
The tavern property has a bar and bistro with a covered outdoor dining deck, TAB area and gaming lounge with 35 gaming machines, kitchen, function room and offices. There is also a 30-space car park.
Artesian’s stable includes Sin City, Bedroom and Havana nightclubs in Surfers Paradise plus White Rhino Bar + Eats also in Surfers.
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