Musicians and vendors out of pocket following NightQuarter’s abrupt close

Former vendors of popular live music market NightQuarter claim they are owed thousands in unpaid bonds — but the operator is counterclaiming six figures in rent and damages.

FORMER vendors of popular live music market NightQuarter claim they are owed thousands in unpaid bonds but the operator is counterclaiming six figures in rent and damages.

Five former food stall holders and two musicians allege they are owed more than $10,000 between them in overdue bond.

But NightQuarter owners Michelle Christoe and Ian van Der Woude claim they are owed over $150,000 from multiple vendors in late rent and damages for the three years they were operating the Helensvale food and live music venue.

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Photo of owners Michelle Christoe and Ian Van Der Woude. Picture Richard Gosling

NightQuarter abruptly announced their closure on January 17, giving their 80 or more vendors two weeks notice ahead of the last day of trading on February 1.

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Three former vendor owners have told the Bulletin they have sought legal advice, alleging their contracts were breached and bond returns more than six weeks overdue.

Ami Smith, a woodfire pizza vendor, said she was owed $2500 but billed $2500 for damages to the storage container she leased from over two years.

She disputed the bill.

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NightQuarter at Helensvale after being told the venue was closing. Photo by Richard Gosling

“I received an email recently which said they are restructuring and refinancing,” she said.

“But where is our bond money? I’m just annoyed how they are getting publicity with new sites but don’t help us who started with them before moving on.”

Mrs Christoe claimed Mrs Smith owed them $1617.26 and has filed a claim with the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

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NightQuarter on its final night.

“There was extensive smoke damage from the wood fire oven throughout the container and multiple holes to the panels,” Mrs Christoe alleged.

“We waived the cost to repair the holes however she also had outstanding rent.”

Megan and Sean Riley who owned two businesses at NightQuarter are waiting to get back $3800. Mrs Christoe said they would have it returned “shortly”.

“This account was recently finalised after a review by a container company of the damages to the container,” Mrs Christoe said.

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NightQuarter owners Michelle Christoe and Ian van der Woude with their award at the Queensland Music Awards.

“We have advised the balance of $1674 total after the bond had been applied and are awaiting their bank details to settle the account.”

About 500 workers and traders were said to be affected when NightQuarter closed due to a rent hike to $400,000 a year.

NightQuarter had 120 specialty food stalls and in a statement said they were finalising accounts with more than 100 stallholders and are working on each case individually.

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It was busy on NightQuarter’s final night.

But they also said they are owed $150,000 in behind rent and damages from vendors.

“Some stallholders owe us money and some as we work through the process of reconciling their account, their bond balance is being refunded,” Mrs Christoe said.

“It is a process that involves inspections, quotes, reviews, agreement, reconciliation, bank details.

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“We acknowledge the process has in some cases been delayed due to the enormity of work involved.

“NightQuarter is assessing each stallholder exit on a case-by-case basis to ensure accurate and fair resolutions for both parties. NightQuarter will meet its commitments.”

Nightquarter attracted 5000 people on the average Friday and Saturday night, with 7500 showing up for festivals and special events.

More than 6000 music acts have performed at NightQuarter including global Gold Coast Amy Shark.

NightQuarter’s owners said the venue sold 55,000 tickets and attracted 1.5 million to ticketed events.