Gold Coast Development: Surfers Paradise’s Paradise Centre to be revamped
A GOLD Coast shopping centre is about to undergo a multi-million upgrade which will see it become a new dining precinct with incredible views of the city’s most famous beach. SEE THE PLANS.
Gold Coast
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THE multimillion-dollar facelift the beach end of Cavill Mall at Surfers Paradise desperately needs is finally here.
A masterplan has been developed for the Paradise Centre which will transform a dirty, dingy part of the Glitter Strip into a trendy dining precinct.
INSIDE SURFERS PARADISE’S NEWEST VENUE
New bars, restaurants and a large area of public space will ultimately be created as part of the transformation, which tourism leaders have hailed as a ‘game-changer’.
The plans, obtained by the Gold Coast Bulletin, reveal significant changes to the most eastern section of the centre to create a new entrance which will lead up to a new bar and dining area which will replace former nightclub, Escape.
LOOKING BACK AT THE GOLD COAST OF THE 1970S AND 1980S
The exterior of this part of the centre will also be revamped and improved.
Surfers Paradise Alliance boss Mike Winlaw, who has seen advanced plans for the centre, said it was the most significant change to the area in 40 years.
LONG HISTORY OF GOLD COAST’S SHOPPING CENTRES
He said new open space between the centre and Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club would become the focal point of major community celebrations, such as New Year’s Eve fireworks.
“That end of Cavill Mall will just open up and it will be a fantastic addition to the atmosphere of the precinct,” he said.
FLASHBACK TO COAST’S EARLY DAYS
“It will raise the bar for Surfers Paradise and will further attract the attention of tourists and visitors.
“We see it as a major opportunity around events, because that space will be opened up for things like Surfers Paradise Live - it will give us a much greater opportunity to grow these events and put more people in these places.”
A development application was filed with the Gold Coast City Council this month by complex owner Challenger for the first stage of works, which will focus on the area immediately north of Hungry Jacks.
But it’s just the beginning, with Mr Winlaw confirming this was the start of an entire centre revamp.
Challenger declined to comment on the plans.
Destination Gold Coast chief executive Annaliese Battista said the move could provide the area much-needed revitalisation.
“I am genuinely excited for the investment... this is going to be extraordinary for tourism,” she said.
“Surfers Paradise is the epicentre of tourism and has a lot to offer, but boy what a concept this is to help boost it.
“Constant revitalisation is critical for assets like the Paradise Centre. I’m thrilled.”
The Paradise Centre was built in the early 1980s and replaced the iconic Surfers Paradise Hotel.
In the 1980s it was home to the Gold Coast’s famous Grundy’s amusement centre and its beachfront slides.
However business, tourism and political leaders all say that area has been under-utilised in recent decades.
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Mayor Tom Tate, himself a former president of the Surfers Paradise Chamber of Commerce said it was good news for the area.
“It has always been the pumping heart of Surfers Paradise,” he said.
“I’m excited because it is long overdue and really now that the Games have come and gone, the time is right.”
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