Surfers Paradise: Glitter Strip landmarks in desperate need of funding for upgrade

One of Surfers Paradise’s most prominent landmarks is at the “end of its life” and city leaders say $100m is needed to restore the suburb to greatness. FIND OUT WHY.

Surfers Paradise turns 90s on Thursday, with city leaders saying the time is right to green-light tens of millions of dollars in revamps for the suburb.

The area, formerly known as Elston, was dubbed Surfers Paradise on December 1, 1933 in a move which helped put it on the map and lead to the modern Gold Coast.

While no formal celebrations are being held, area councillor Darren Taylor said he hoped that the 10th decade of its existence would begin with big-money commitments to new infrastructure.

Cr Darren Taylor. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Surfers is evolving back to the way we want it,” he said.

“We don’t want it to be more or less than what it is or has been because it’s where you came for a holiday or ere a local who lived with the highs and lows of it and it is coming alive again.

“We want to bring the love back and now is the time to reinvest in the heart of our city.

“$40m has already been approved and the results of recent community consultation on the plans will come back to council in the New Year but the early feedback is extremely positive and hopefully this will lead to further funds.”

Inside the planned Town Hall-style development for an entertainment centre at the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre.

Councillors earlier this year voted to spend $40m on revamping Cavill Mall in lieu of a staged $138m revamp Mr Taylor pitched.

He hoped to fund works that would give the entire precinct a makeover including the Mall, the eastern sections of Cavill Ave to the Nerang River and along the Esplanade.

While the $40m spend was approved, council CEO Tim Baker agreed the existing mall was at the “end of its life”.

Among the key features Mr Taylor hopes to see funded are more greenery on the foreshore, play features, and improved connectivity through the city.

He is also pushing for his colleagues to support the proposed redevelopment of Surfers Paradise Transit Centre to become a music hall.

Outside shot of the planned Town Hall-style development for an entertainment centre at the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre site.

“The transit centre one will be great because it will help connect parts of Surfers Paradise together and bring in more business.

“We need to keep the night time economy going.”

The music hall would be able to host thousands of visitors and large music events.

Council officers in a report said it had “the potential to become a striking gateway to Surfers Paradise”.

An assessment will also be made on Bruce Bishop carpark.

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce boss Laura Younger backed the need for spending.

“It desperately needs a revamp and the plans I have seen are looking great,” she said.

“Of those surveyed recently, 85 per cent of people were in favour of it.”

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