Southport traders demand revamp to revitalise ‘run down’ CBD

The businesspeople behind cafes, restaurants, newsagents and many others shops in an ailing city CBD have spoken out - and are pushing for much-needed change.

Southport traders say more needs to be done to bring the people back to the CBD in order to keep their doors open.

Bliss Health and Bulk Foods owner Cris Nerit says Nerang and Young streets are “ghost towns” and must be modernised to attract a younger demographic.

“Since Covid, it’s as if they have forgotten about the projects they were going to do,” she said.

“We thought with the recent election it would spur projects.”

Bliss Health and Bulk Foods Owner Cris Nerit says Southport needs a “facelift”. Picture: Richard Gosling

Ms Nerit urged officials from both the state government and council to walk around Southport to understand how “run down” the area had become.

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“The demographic has to change and there needs to be more emphasis on the beach. It needs a facelift. Use the water. There’s a tram north and south.

“There’s so much old infrastructure and it makes the city look run down.

“We are paying $7000 for rent. They need to open their eyes and walk around.”

CALVIN ZOU – SHAMROCK NEWS AND LOTTO

Mr Zou has been in business in Southport for more than 10 years. He said empty shop stores near his business were a deterring factor for customers.

One of the many empty stores in Southport. Picture: Richard Gosling

“We struggle,” he said.

“It is really hard to survive, especially after Covid as there are no international students or travellers and a lot of people who work in offices work at home now.

“A lot of empty offices up stairs, the shop across from his shop was empty.

“If it is empty here, nobody will come here.”

Shamrock News and Lotto in Southport is surrounded by empty stores: Picture: Richard Gosling

NINDY SINGH – DEJA BREW CAFE

Mr Singh has worked in hospitality on the Gold Coast for more than 25 years and recently opened a cafe on Scarborough St.

He said he was encouraged after reading reports of Southport becoming the next Silicon Valley.

But after months of observing nearby businesses relocating or closing, he said it was apparent nothing was being done to revamp the CBD.

“We are lucky we are a family business because we can’t afford to hire anyone else,” he said.

“The businesses near us keep leaving. There was a vegan cafe that opened and they have gone.”

Deja Brew Cafe owner Nindy Singh speaks about the turn over of businesses in Southport. Picture by Richard Gosling

KURT BILLEAU – KURBO’S BAR AND GRILL

Despite being one of the few Filipino restaurants on the Gold Coast, the eatery is battling the quiet nature on Young St.

Kurbo’s Bar and Grill team leader Kurt Billeau discusses the need for Southport to attract a younger demographic. Picture: Richard Gosling

Mr Billeau said there needed to be an emphasis on attracting a younger demographic.

“The demographic here is 30-plus, and advertisement about the restaurants is spread through word of mouth.

“It’s very rare to get young people here.”

He said street events could be a solution to attracting more people.

“There were markets before Covid and they did not return.

“It’s hard for businesses here.”