Gold Coast City Council: Surfers Paradise to get radical revamp
Gold Coast City Council has announced a massive revamp for Surfers Paradise, with an overhaul of Cavill Mall, an extension of the foreshore area and a new public plaza among dozens of measures considered. Read our detailed guide to what’s planned.
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GOLD Coast City Council has revealed it will radically overhaul the run-down heart of one of the Glitter Strip’s major tourism, retail and residential precincts.
The significant revamp of Surfers Paradise is set to include an overhaul of Cavill Mall, an extension of the foreshore area, investigations for a public plaza on the esplanade and may even see the famous Surfers Paradise sign moved.
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Only $1.5 million has been allocated towards the Cavill Mall refresh at this stage.
But it’s expected that figure will balloon as the plan continues to evolve in consultation with the community
BUSINESS GROUP’S VISION FOR SURFERS REVAMP
The draft Surfers Paradise Master Plan is aimed at creating a “pedestrian-focused” area, Mayor Tom Tate said.
He described the revamp as well overdue and expects business will boom in Surfers on the back of the improvements.
“The vision (for the revamp) is actually more colourful and quintessential Gold Coast,” he said.
“We’re going to refresh the heart and get it pumping again.
“I have to admit it’s been quite long overdue, probably four years, however we have to live within our means and we had to fund the Commonwealth Games. That took $225 million out of our coffers.
“Now is the time to make Surfers Paradise fun again.”
Councillor Gary Baildon, who oversees Surfers, said the work would be carried out in stages to reduce inconvenience for residents and businesses.
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The council has urged residents to speak up about their vision for the heart of Surfers.
Submissions can be made in person at the big red heart in the centre of Cavill Mall between 9am and 3pm until November 12.
Residents can also make submissions online and check out the proposed master plan for themselves until November 26.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
1. PALM AVENUE WALKWAY
• Improved pedestrian connection between the Cypress Avenue Light Rail Station and the
Foreshore (beach)
• Formal pedestrian crossing across the Esplanade
2. FORESHORE
• Extension of the existing foreshore to Staghorn Avenue.
3. CYPRESS AVENUE PARK CAR PARK
• Provide a Civic / play space
• Community Centre / Public facilities
• Commercial opportunities
• Potential underground car park
4. VIEW AVENUE
• Improve connection between the Cypress Avenue Light Rail Station and the Foreshore
(beach)
• Widen footpaths, add street trees and lighting
• Formalise pedestrian crossing across the Esplanade
5. RIVERWALK
• Proposed future connection (Boardwalk) between the Riverside precinct, Budds Beach,
MacIntosh Island and the Foreshore / Oceanwalk (beach)
• Dependent on seabed lease negotiations
6. RIVERVIEW PARADE
• Potential closure of vehicle traffic from Thomas Drive
• Improve the pedestrian connection from Chevron Island
• Provide a sense of arrival for both pedestrian and vehicle
7. ELKHORN AVENUE / FERNY AVENUE
• Improve the pedestrian connection and experience from Chevron Island
• Provide a sense of arrival for both pedestrians and vehicles
8. ELKHORN AVENUE / ORCHID AVENUE
• Improve the pedestrian connection and experience
• Reduce vehicle speed and dominance
9. ORCHID AVENUE
• Enhance the pedestrian experience to create more of a shared zone
• Reduce vehicle speed and dominance
10. RIVERSDIE MASTERPLAN (Gold Coast Waterway Authority)
11. CHEVRON ISLAND GREEN BRIDGE (Transport &Traffic)
• Preferred future option
12. FERNY AVENUE / CAVILL AVENUE INTERSECTION
• Enhance the East - West pedestrian connection between the Nerang River to the beach
• Upgrade to be considered as part of Green Bridge project
13. CAVILL AVENUE / ORCHID AVENUE
• Formalised pedestrian connection between Circle on Cavill and Cavill Park
14. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE & TOILET
• Relocate the visitor information centre and toilet to a more suitable location
• Improve pedestrian connection and widen footpath with potential outdoor dining
15. ORCHID AVENUE
• Enhance the pedestrian connection across Orchid Avenue
• Reduce vehicle speed and dominance
16. CAVILL MALL
• Improve the pedestrian experience
• Improve the shade
• Introduce vibrancy / colour back into the Mall - planting
17. SURFERS PARADISE SIGN
• Move the Gold Coast sign to a more optimal location
18. ACTIVATION OF THE BEACH / FORESHORE
19. CIVIC SPACE
• Flexible public space, shade, activation and outdoor dining
• Multi-use event space with large screens, sound, lighting and stage facilities
20. ESPLANADE
• Create a shared space
• Reduce vehicle speed and dominance
• Proposed regular temporary closure of the road between Friday and Sunday evenings
21. SURFERS PARADISE BOULEVARD
• Continue the existing streetprint road pattern to Q1
• Improve the pedestrian experience - increase shade, planting and wayfinding
22. NEAL SHANNON PARK
• Activation and way finding
23. EILEEN PETER’S PARK
• Youth Precinct
• Playground, skate and parkour park
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