Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade: the conflict which will prevent the local councillor from voting

Amid protests of a developer’s plan to bulldoze a 90-year-old historic building in Burleigh, the area’s councillor is sitting quiet on the issue. Here’s why.

GOLD Coast City councillor Pauline Young will be unable to contribute to any debate or vote on the future of the 90-year-old Old Burleigh Arcade.

Council documents confirmed that when the matter was first discussed at committee behind closed doors at the Evandale chambers, Cr Young declared a personal interest.

She said she believed it could be considered “a real or perceived conflict of interest”.

Councillors were informed that Cr Young’s brother, Adam Young, was an agent involved in the sale of the property.

The Burleigh Arcade, at 64 Goodwin Terrace, was placed on the market in April through Steven King, of Colliers, and Mr Young, of Black and Young.

Councillor Pauline Young at Evandale. Photo: Jerad Williams.

Sydney-based property development company Weiya Holdings bought the landmark site for $18.5 million and intends to demolish the building, replacing it with a luxury 14-level apartment tower and new arcade at its base.

Councillors supported a recommendation at a planning and environment committee meeting to seek approval from the State Government for a temporary local planning instrument which would allow council to protect the facade and interior sections.

At committee and later full council, the councillors backed a move for the Office of City Architect to enter the property on Gold Coast Local Heritage Register.

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Inside the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade.

Cr Pauline Young left the room “so that the matter may be discussed and voted on in my absence”.

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Residents on Facebook have since asked about Cr Young’s silence on the major local issue but the Burleigh-based councillor had taken legal advice and remains limited in being able to make comment.

More than 140 residents have signed a change.org petition calling on the historic building to be saved.

Cr Young told the Bulletin: “As the local councillor, I recognise and acknowledge the significance and historic value of the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade building to the community.

Outside the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“I am not aware of any development application having been lodged to either demolish or develop the site. I believe this is pure speculation at this stage.”

Petitioners in a “call to arms” in the change.org petition have asked Mayor Tom Tate to “step up” and protect the building.

“We can no longer sit back and watch as the fabric of the Gold Coast is lost to international and interstate developers who have no regard for makes the Gold Coast what it is,” petitioners wrote.

“There are very few buildings of this type, scale and vintage remaining in the city.

“The arcade is widely recognised by the community, both for its unique style and the level of detail in its construction.

“As a global city — council’s words — we should be able to have a mature discussion and response to heritage and conservation in our city rather than half-baked responses like what happened with the Miami Ice building.

“This is a disgrace. The way things are going none of our history will be left.”