NightQuarter closing: Gold Coast’s young performers say goodbye

Among young Gold Coast musicians, NightQuarter was the dream performance spot, with young musicians revealing they have been left “gutted” by its closure.

AS NightQuarter prepares to close its doors many will remember it for its music acts, and perhaps no one more so than Liv Heyer.

The 19-year-old performer has been performing at the entertainment precinct for almost two years, and she’s not afraid to admit the news left her “absolutely gutted”.

News of NightQuarter’s closing stunned the Gold Coast last week, with thousands taking to Facebook to share their memories and express their sadness.

Liv Heyer is an up and coming Gold Coast indie singer who used to sing at NightQuarter. Photo by Richard Gosling

“It was very out of the blue, I played there last Saturday night and I was talking to them about booking in dates for March,” Ms Heyer said.

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“Then all of a sudden they were closing down.”

NightQuarter founder Michelle Cristoe said part of their core business was supporting local talent.

“NightQuarter was about bring the community together,” she said.

“We want to provide a place for Liv to perform and grow in her career.”

Night Quarter at Helensvale will close its' doors after Westfield more than doubled the rent. Photo of owners Michell Christoe and Ian Van Der Woude. Picture Richard Gosling

Ms Heyer said she texted other staff when the announcement appeared on her Facebook, and couldn’t believe it was true.

For the young performer and many others like her, the venue was the place they got their foot in the door, and a chance to show the Coast what they had to offer.

“My career really started to take off and start moving, and they were definitely a massive help and influence for where I’ve been going,” she said.
“They were amazing for up and coming artists and local talent. You started off busking at the door unpaid and if they liked you they’d bring you back but even doing that gave you confidence and got you entry.

Liv Heyer. Photo by Richard Gosling

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“I don’t think there really is any place like NightQuarter, the Gold Coast is really losing a great venue.”

Ms Christoe said pop ups would continue as they scoured site options across the Gold Coast.

Since the news of their closing they had been inundated with offers of land to use for the unique space, she said.

She said they were open to any location across the Gold Coast, but needed good public transport access and enough room for car parks.

“We’re determined to find something, we have started discussions with several parties,” she said.

NightQuarter will close for the final time on February 1. A popup event will be held on February 23 at The Surrounds by Villawood in Helensvale.