LIST: Dozens of venues opening and expanding on the Gold Coast

Dozens of venues are looking to open or expand as the Gold Coast emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. SEE THE FULL LIST.

DOZENS of venues are looking to open or expand as the Gold Coast emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest data from the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming shows 13 new liquor or gaming licences have been granted since May.

For one Gold Coast entrepreneur, the COVID-19 restrictions have meant a longer wait to realise a lifelong dream of opening a club in Surfers Paradise.

Matty Turner, the 23-year-old founder of Bikini Barber Babes, secured a liquor licence for a his new rhythm and blues (RnB) venue Empire Night Club & Cocktail Lounge. It will be located in the front section of the former Shooters club on Orchid Ave.

Bikini Barber Babes owner Matty Turner with Makayla Patten and Danica Claney. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mr Turner said he was excited to welcome patrons once dancing was allowed again.

“It will have a focus on the RnB, and on the patron experience,” he said.

Originally from Townsville, Mr Turner said opening a club on the Gold Coast had always been his plan.

“I had a dream and have chased it since I have been here. I am now so close.”

NEW RULES AS GOLD COAST NIGHTCLUBS REOPEN

Local promoter Mark James, who ran last year’s Circus Paradise and been involved with popular music festivals such as Future Music, will also launch a venue on the Glitter Strip.

Mr James said he would also be opening an “alternative” nightclub called Arcade on Orchid Ave in August.

“It will be at the Top of the Mark on Orchid Ave,” Mr James said.

“We’re gutting (the space) and starting it from scratch.

Mark James. Picture: Nigel Hallett

MORE NEWS

Melbourne passengers check in to Gold Coast

Premier: ‘No apologies’ for border delays

Outpouring of support for badly injured motorcyclist

“We’re completely redesigning it, refitting it, (putting in) new audio, lighting set up.

“I will have a bit of an underground feel. The venue will be designed more of a lounge-y bar – grungy meets indie … It’s more of an alternative look for the strip.

“I think everything else on the strip is kind of commercial. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we wanted to do something totally different.”

Mr James is hoping to have Arcade opened by the first week of September.

“We’ve been looking for a venue for a fair while, even before COVID.

HOW NEW CAFE HAS BEATEN PARKING NIGHTMARE

“It’s good for Surfers. Anything is good for Surfers as long as you can maintain it and bring people in.

“It (will be) dedicated to house and tech music,” he said.

“We’re incorporating live electronic bands, getting lots of international DJs and local DJs.”

Vinnies Dive, a popular music venue in Southport, expanded its beer garden and was granted a licence for the area last month.

Gaming venues also upgraded over the same period.

The Cecil Hotel on Nerang Street, Southport, gained approval for 35 gaming machines and the Broadbeach Tavern secured 45.

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Pimpama Central Tavern are seeking approval for 45 gaming machines.

The Glitter Strip. Picture: Airphoto Australia / Getty Images

FULL LIST OF NEW LIQUOR AND GAMING LICENCES

Empire Nightclub RNB & Cocktail Lounge

Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

Liquor Licence: Nightclub

Vinnies Dive

Nerang St, Southport

Liquor licence: Subsidiary

Cecil Hotel

Nerang St, Southport

Gaming licence: 35 machines

See Thai

Como Crescent Southport

Liquor licence: Subsidiary

Pretty Handsome

Christine Ave, Burleigh Heads

Liquor licence: Subsidiary

Some Wine Store

Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Liquor Licence: Wine Merchant

Pizza Hut Pimpama

Dixon Drive, Pimpama

Liquor Licence: Subsidiary

Broadbeach Tavern

Charles Ave, Broadbeach

Gaming Licence: 45 machines

The Lucky Squire

Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Liquor Licence: Commercial Hotel

James Squire Broadbeach

Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Liquor Licence: Producer/Wholesaler

The Star 888

SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach

Liquor Licence: Subsidiary

Hunky Dory

Fifth Ave, Palm Beach

Liquor Licence: Subsidiary

Third Base Coffee

Philippine Parade, Palm Beach

Liquor licence: Subsidiary