HOTA cinema to welcome customers as council announces more venues to reopen

A Gold Coast cinema is to reopen this weekend, while council has also announced that some sporting venues will soon welcome back guests.

ONE of Gold Coast’s largest venues to close its doors due to COVID-19 restrictions is set to reopen on Saturday.

Since March 16, HOTA has been shut to the public but from this weekend the Bundall based arts centre will take its first steps back to normality.

The venue is opening its cinema off the back of the announcement this week by the Queensland Government of an early move to Stage 2 of the roadmap to easing the state’s restrictions.

The HOTA cinema is to reopen this weekend. Supplied

HOTA will be obeying the restrictions with a 20-person limit allowed per screening.

The venue’s CEO Criena Gehrke believes the move will fill the social void brought about by the COVID-19 shutdowns and said it was a positive step towards a return to theatre experiences.

“There will be 12 screenings a day from Saturday 6th and we are pulling together a thematic program that touches on some of our favourite films, through to award-winning masterpieces, as well as family movies,” she said.

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“We are not there yet but there is a strong local appetite for the Arts and the cinema is the first cab off the rank.

“As the government allows it, we will rebuild our program to welcome back artists and audiences gradually to ensure we remain a vibrant and dynamic Home of the Arts.”

The Gold Coast City Council has announced more venues are set to also reopen with indoor sporting facilities opening from June 6 and tourist parks taking bookings from 13 June.

Action from the Pool Rescue Queensland Championships at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

The Gold Coast, Palm Beach and Miami Aquatics Centres will reopen with restricted services from June 22, allowing groups of 20 in the separate sections of the venues.

The ‘odds and evens’ registration plate system at Waste and Recycling Centres (WRCs) has now been lifted, however every second parking bay will remain closed to ensure social distancing is maintained.

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Mayor Tom Tate said the City, like many other organisations, was working around the clock to review plans to ensure that facilities could reopen in a safe and measured way as soon as possible.

“It’s very important we do this safely and with appropriate planning in place so that we do not breach any guidelines but also make it an enjoyable and hassle-free experience for users,” Mayor Tate said.

“We know it is taking time, but we thank everyone for their patience.”

COUNCIL VENUES REOPENING

Waste and Recycling Centres

The ‘odds and evens’ registration plate system at Waste and Recycling Centres (WRCs) has now been lifted, however every second parking bay will remain closed to ensure social distancing is maintained.

To minimise delays, residential green waste will only be accepted at WRCs with ‘Green waste drop and go’ which includes Coomera, Molendinar, Merrimac and Reedy Creek.

Aquatic Centres

The Gold Coast, Palm Beach and Miami Aquatics Centres will reopen with restrictive services on Monday 22 June subject to Industry Plans allowing groups of 20 in the separate sections of the venues.

Other centres are expected to open in Stage three or once any refurbishments are completed.

Major Sporting Venues

From Saturday 6 June:

Coomera Indoor Sports Centre – Open for gymnastics leased space only.

Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium – Open for squash, roller sports and basketball during set times.

Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre – Open for basketball, netball, futsal and volleyball during set times. Venue open to casual shoot arounds for up to 20 people during set times.

Gold Coast Sports Precinct – open between 4pm and 10pm

Gold Coast Cycle Centre - open between 4pm and 8pm

Tourist Parks

Tourist Parks will take bookings from 13 June to allow contractors to re-engage staff and prepare Parks. Due to Queensland Health requirements via mandated Health Management Plans, communal amenities and cooking facilities will need to remain closed until these restrictions are eased. Bookings will be restricted to Villas, en suite sites and self-contained caravans.

Community Centres

Community Centres remain open for essential services, with consideration of non-essential activities for up to 20 people where social distancing and other hygiene requirements can be achieved

Active & Healthy program

A range of outdoor group classes will return with 20 or fewer participants. Bookings required for all sessions. Those attending should contact the local instructor to find out if their regular class is running. All classes require a COVID Safe plan in place. Online classes are still being offered. Indoor classes will be back from the 13 July.

Libraries

City Libraries will be reopening all return chutes on Monday 8 June to enable its members to return all of their library items. Members will be able to return items in the 24hr chutes located at:

o Broadbeach

o Burleigh Waters

o Coolangatta

o Elanora

o Helensvale

o Nerang

o Runaway Bay

o Southport

o Upper Coomera

Note: Robina library is not able to receive returned items as it is currently under renovation. Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach do not have return chutes