Gold Coast: Arcade nightclub opening on Orchid Ave at Surfers Paradise

The opening of the city’s newest nightspot was pushed back due to COVID-19 dancing restrictions - but its owner has now decided to swing open the doors anyway. GET YOUR FIRST LOOK INSIDE

THE Glitter Strip’s newest nightspot expects to draw bumper crowds bolstered by tourists flocking north after its looming opening was advertised interstate.

Arcade will open its doors on Surfers Paradise party strip Orchid Ave on Friday, despite initial plans to hold out until lingering COVID-19 dancing restrictions were lifted.

A render image of Arcade , the newest nightspot set to open on Orchid Ave at Surfers Paradise.

Owner-operator Mark James, former organiser of Future Music and Summerfield Dayze festivals, said the venue with a “lounge retro vibe” offering a “sophisticated” take on Coast clubbing.

“Myself and Space Cube Design have designed a retro-meets-modern boutique lounge concept. It’s not your average nightclub. It’s not a meat market, put it that way,” he said.

“We’ve got less of a commercial vibe, we’re a little more left-of-centre for the house music – it’s a very Miami meets Ibiza sort of vibe.

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“We’re very keen to support local live music on the Gold Coast.”

Arcade will feature live performances by up-and-coming indie bands, alongside Queensland, Australian and international DJs.

The venue in a revamped space located down an arcade in The Mark precinct has been dubbed a “social club with a difference”.

Mr James said Arcade has a capacity of 440, but will be limited to 220 people at its opening due to ongoing COVID-19 distancing restrictions.

Photos from inside Arcade, the new nightclub to be opened on Orchid Ave in Surfers Paradise. Photo: Glenn Hampson

“It is what it is. Hopefully soon things will open up a bit – in months, or weeks, or whenever she (Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk) decides to,” Mr James said.

“We were hoping to have some sort of confirmation this week (about dancing) … I think people are aware of the situation though.”

Mr James said Arcade had “done a lot of advertising in Melbourne and Sydney”.

Arcade’s launch will feature artists Mr James, Taleena, Robina, Kondo, Minx, Flash, Tara Bloom, Andy Finn and Damo Cox.

It has a dozen staff and Mr James was still looking for experienced hospitality workers.