Griffith St: Work begins on $4m upgrade of Coolangatta CBD

The southern gateway to the Gold Coast will be transformed under a $4m post-Covid revamp which will dramatically reshape the popular street.

The southern gateway to the Gold Coast will be transformed under a $4m post-Covid revamp.

Coolangatta’s Griffith St, which was the frontline of the Covid state border closures between Queensland and New South Wales for nearly two years, will get new footpaths, improved lighting and more shades under the council facelift to make it more hospitable.

Work will begin in mid-July.

Mayor Tom Tate said the southern retail strip would get a new lease of life.

“The City’s refresh of Griffith Street will improve walkability, access, appeal and safety in the area as well as celebrate Coolangatta’s beach culture and relaxed attitude,” he said.

“The project will see new trees and shrubs planted, new footpaths and increased outdoor dining opportunities.

Artist impression of the Coolangatta Griffith Street revamp. Picture: Gold Coast City Council.

“Lighting upgrades in the revitalisation have also been designed to help people feel safe, particularly at night, when out and about in Coolangatta.”

The upgrades were given the green light by council after community consultation found locals wanted to see the area revitalised.

The work will occur between Warner and Stuart streets and will also include a revamp of John Orbansen (OAM) Park.

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Tate said more than $400,000 of public art from emerging artists would be installed in the area.

“The art will represent Coolangatta’s unique identity and stories of ‘a life lived by the ocean’ and give the community a strong sense of pride,” he said.

“The feedback showed the community wanted better active travel and the ability to move around the area and that is what this refresh will deliver.

“The reinvigoration of the area will help people feel more connected with their community and improve their experience when they visit the area.”

Artist impression of the Coolangatta Griffith Street revamp. Picture: Gold Coast City Council.

It comes as the council prepares to begin work in August on stabilisation works on Kirra Hill.

A geotechnical study found the area had become unstable after a series of rock falls as far back as 2004 and more recently in 2020 and 2021.

Area councillor Gail O’Neill said mesh and anchors would be installed to prevent rocks falling while some vegetation would be cleared.

“Kirra Hill is one of the southern Gold Coast’s great natural assets and this work is aimed at making sure it remains that way for the years to come,” she said.

Artist impression of the Coolangatta Griffith Street revamp. Picture: Gold Coast City Council.

“The project will ensure the safety of people as they go about their daily lives and explore the area.

“In the long run these works are going to reduce erosion of the headland from severe weather, stabilise and preserve the headland, reduce the risk of landslip or rock fall and, importantly, increase the safety for road users, cyclists, and pedestrians.”

Several boulders are also expected to be removed while a rock catching fence will also be installed.

The work is expected to be completed by November.

R T Peak Memorial Park, the hill’s carpark and facilities will be temporarily closed during the installation, while Marine Parade will be reduced to a single lane controlled by traffic signals.