Gold Coast development: Rooftop bar to replace demolished Surfers Paradise nightclub building

The former site of a famous Gold Coast nightclub will be transformed into a rooftop bar which will have incredible views of some of the Gold Coast's most famous streets.

The former site of a famous nightclub will be transformed into a rooftop bar looking over Surfers Paradise’s heart.

Developer Centa Property Group has abandoned its plans for a small retail-only shopping centre in favour of a hospitality venue on the corner of Orchid and Cavill avenues.

Plans filed with the Gold Coast City Council this week reveal the three-storey building’s design would be dramatically altered to allow for an extra level.

It will feature a two-storey bar and dining venue that will  host live music nightly from Thursdays through Saturdays.

Artist impression of the new building planned for the former site of the Penthouse

“While live music is proposed at certain times, the vast majority of the time, the area will be filled with tables and chairs to be utilised as a standard ‘pub’-type operation,” a planning report on the project reads.

The plans show the rooftop bar will have a retractable glass roof, while its ground floor is expected to feature a range of retail offerings including a corner store.

The project will go before the council’s planning committee  this year.

For nearly 50 years the site was the centre of the Glitter Strip night-life as the host of landmark venues such as The Penthouse, The Drink Nightclub and The Avenue.

A redevelopment of the site has been on the cards since plans for a high-rise tower were unveiled in mid-2015.

The former nightclub building was demolished in late 2021 after gradually falling into disrepair.

The previous design, which has now been abandoned.

‘End of an era’ as popular nightspot demolished

A SURFERS Paradise building which was home to some of the city’s most famous nightspots has been reduced to rubble.

The building, on the corner of Orchid and Cavill avenues is being demolished to make way for a new retail precinct from developer Centa Property Group.

The former Penthouse building has been demolished. Picture by Richard Gosling

For nearly 50 years it was the centre of the Glitter Strip night-life as the host of landmark venues such as The Penthouse, The Drink Nightclub and The Avenue.

The new shopping complex is expected to open in 2022.

Long-time, night-life figure Lino Girard said the building’s demolition marked the end of an era for Orchid Ave.

45+ photos: Drink nightclub through the years

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Limbo at the Penthouse nightclub above The Avenue on Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise

“It was there for such a long time and I actually used to work there back when it was the Penthouse,” he said.

“Back in the early 1980s it was one of the big venues, along with Twains which was over at The Mark.

“I’ve got some really fond memories of my time in there when it was always busy and I particularly remember the many different dress-up parties which were held there.

“It’s the end of an era but that’s progress.”

Owned by Bob Walder and Vince Russo, The Penthouse was one of the first major Surfers Paradise nightclubs.

Dancers on the dance floor at the The Drink nightclub in Surfers Paradise in 2004.

The redevelopment of the building has been on the cards for more than six years. Picture by Richard Gosling

It was in Cavill Ave and eventually grew into a four-storey complex, with seven bars, two discos, a dining room and four dance floors.

Its patrons sometimes included Bob Hawke, Bill and Sonya McMahon, Doug Anthony and Beatle George Harrison.

The building’s redevelopment has been on the cards since plans for a high-rise tower were unveiled in mid-2015.

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