NightQuarter’s stunning comeback: Gold Coast live venue gets another life at new location

Popular Gold Coast entertainment venue NightQuarter is poised for a stunning comeback after a new venue was found which is being backed by the State Government.

THE Gold Coast’s popular live entertainment venue NightQuarter is being offered a new home at Carrara and its owners are giving it “serious consideration”.

Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon has been working on a deal with Stadiums Queensland which has Gold Coast Suns backing and is close to being finalised.

The Bulletin can reveal the night markets which hosted live bands could re-open by mid-year at Metricon Stadium, most likely in the space west of the stands near the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

NightQuarter’s final night at Helensvale.

“I think the Metricon Stadium site would be perfect – close to public transport in a great community for families,” Ms Scanlon said.

“I’ve been in close contact with NightQuarter’s owners along with Stadiums Queensland and the Suns to try to find a new home for NightQuarter.

“This is a step in the right direction. No-one wanted to see the Gold Coast lose NightQuarter.

“This is a business that supports scores of local jobs. It’s great that we’ve been able to work together to find the best solution for the people of the Coast.”

NightQuarter owner Ian Van De Woude last night confirmed he and co-owner Michelle Christoe were looking at several options including Carrara.

“We have had discussions with the guys at Metricon Stadium. We are giving it serious consideration at this stage. There are a number of hurdles to work through but it is in the mix,” he said.

“Michelle and I are keen to secure a new venue for NightQuarter in the future.”

Meaghan Scanlon scouted locations for NightQuarter. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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NightQuarter opened in 2015 but was forced to close at Helensvale early last month after its landlords, Westfield shopping centre operator Scentre Group and the state-owned Queensland Investment Corporation, upped its rent by more than 100 per cent.

More than 16,000 residents backed a petition in support of the venue to the Parliament placing the Government under pressure to find another site.

Ms Scanlon scouted several locations as she worked to keep the tourist attraction in her northern Coast electorate.

The Bulletin understands Government officers are confident a three-month trial on the site can begin by mid-year.

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NightQuarter has been offered a site to the west of Metricon Stadium. Picture: AAP

A government source said Stadiums Queensland was likely to tick off on a deal in the next month, and the council in negotiations about parking arrangements had been supportive.

Sport Minister Mick de Brenni said he had encouraged Ms Scanlon to proceed with talks between all the parties.

“Meaghan Scanlon has been in my ear telling me all about this fantastic opportunity to maximise community use of this great venue,” Mr de Brenni said.

“It’s certainly in line with the recommendations of the Stadiums Taskforce Report from respected sports administrator John Lee.

“I’ve said to Meaghan: go for it — it’s another drawcard for the stadium and a great result for the Gold Coast.”