New look Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club to reopen after COVID-19 closure

A Gold Coast surf club today lifts the lid on a major revamp completed during the COVID-19 shutdown.

AFTER the COVID-19 wave forced businesses across the Coast to close, the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club rode the barrel and have come out the other end refreshed.

Since 1925 the surf club has been providing dining, drinks and entertainment in the city’s tourist hot spot – and today it has reopened its doors.

Since shutting in April, staff and volunteers have refurbished the facilities and according to supporters club president Jon Neilsen, the forced closure came at the perfect time.

WHEN MOVIE WORLD AND SEA WORLD WILL REOPEN

Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club plans to reopen this Friday with a fresh look. Surfers SLSC President Trevor Hendy toasts the new renovations with Supporters Club president Jon Neilsen. Picture Glenn Hampson

SURFERS PARADISE CLUB BOSSES LOBBY FOR EXTENDED HOURS

“To do a major refurbishment like this we needed time,” he said.

“Normally we’d only have a day or two to do it because you don’t want to be closed for too long.

“COVID-19 was the perfect storm for us. It made us shut and we had plenty of tradesmen free.”

Club staff were put on JobKeeper during the lay-off and helped with the downstairs remodelling.

MORE NEWS

Glitter Strip nightclub reopening with, ‘not normal’ rules

Luxury Coast apartments selling for $2

‘It didn’t feel real’: Family crushed by midnight door knock

The new-look club includes a coffee nook, an open plan area facing the beach and a spruced-up bar and kitchen.

Mr Neilsen said regulars would be shocked.

“It’s more of a family looking space now,” he said.

“We have lost probably around $40,000 a week during this time but we’ll make that up with a new crowd coming in when the school holidays hit, and the border reopens.”