Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade: Historic Gold Coast building saved from demolition

A campaign from locals has paid off, with an important announcement this evening which will save the historic Burleigh Arcade from the wrecking ball.

Developers had planned to demolish the historic Burleigh Arcade.

CONTROVERSIAL plans to redevelop the historic old Burleigh Theatre Arcade are in doubt after the State Government stepped in to save the building.

A two-year halt has been put on demolishing the almost 90-year-old building, forcing its new owners to retain the existing building’s facade after a furious backlash from locals.

The “temporary local planning instrument” (TLPI) was created after an urgent intervention by Gold Coast City Council.

Planning Minister Cameron Dick said it was essential to preserve the building.

“The Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade has significant historical and aesthetic values that we need to ensure aren’t lost with future development,” he said.

“The building has been a social hub for the Burleigh Heads community for around 90 years, after starting its life as The De-Luxe picture theatre and dance hall in 1930.

“It’s important we ensure buildings like the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade are here for future generations to enjoy as well.”

The De-Luxe Theatre at Burleigh Heads which became the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade.

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Sydney developer Weiya Holdings bought the Goodwin Tce site earlier this month for $18.5 million with plans to develop the site, with project manager Wei Wang saying the building was “out of its day”.

The TLPI will be retrospective dating back to July 30 this year and will expire in 2021.

It means key historic elements of the building, including the facade, cannot be demolished.

Any development application submitted to the council must comply with these restrictions.

The stay of execution will allow the council and state to assess the building’s heritage and what levels of protection are needed.

Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the move.

“What it means is that further heritage studies need to be undertaken before any work can be undertaken at the site,” Mayor Tate said.

“This is a win for the Gold Coast. Let’s now get on with the work of undertaking a comprehensive heritage assessment in partnership with the State and the owner to ensure the building receives the correct level of protection moving forward.”

A two-year halt has been put on demolishing the building. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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Cr Tate said preserving the city’s heritage was of utmost importance in this, the Gold Coast’s 60th year.

“We know this building and its facade is important and very dear to the community, which is why we began the process of protecting its significance,” he said.

The original arcade building was opened in 1930 by William Fradgley as the De-Luxe theatre and dance hall.

A Western Electric sound plant was installed in 1931 to play motion pictures.

The De-Luxe had large sections of its roof ripped off in a 1954 cyclone but was later rebuilt and a cinema operated until June 1966.

It was destroyed by a cyclone in the late 50s and rebuilt, with a cinema operating until June 1966.

The building, after sitting derelict for a few years, was converted to retail and office use in the 1970s.