Keebra Park ‘old boys’ plan for CBD to grab Glitter Strip diners
Southport is about to get a dining and entertainment venue to rival Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach as three Keebra Park “old boys” ramp up a campaign to promote the CBD. Take a sneak peek at what’s coming.
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Southport is about to get a dining and entertainment venue to rival Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach as three Keebra Park “old boys” ramp up a campaign to promote the CBD.
Southport Doctors owner Dr Michael Read says workers are putting the finishing touches on his $15 million “labour of love” called Fire Baby, expected to open in June.
Backing the Southport resurgence with Dr Read are MP Rob Molhoek along with experienced Coast lobbyist Graham Staerk – the three met in 1974 at the start-up public high school.
Dr Read said Fire Baby had seating for between 400 and 500 guests with two giant pizza ovens able to cook 240 pizzas each, every hour.
On a 1200 sqm site in Welch Street a few blocks north of the central CBD, the venue will include a fine dining section and upstairs bar. A bakery and wine bar are planned outside.
“I’ve always said that Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach are taking our lunch. We have so many people here (in Southport and the north) who want quality food and service,” Dr Read said.
Mr Molhoek, after inspecting the premises, offered to book several large functions, telling Dr Read: “This would rival the biggest nightclubs in Surfers Paradise for floor space.”
The Council has earmarked Southport for future long term accommodation in a “tower of power” and wants to fast forward the Gold Coast Arena at Carey Park. This venue is in a street ripe for renovation.
Dr Read believes Southport’s uplift will be achieved by showcasing “exceptional hospitality”.
“Extraordinary dining experiences can draw people together, transforming the area into a
vibrant and sought-after destination for locals and visitors alike,” he said.
“Fire Baby aims to set a new standard for hospitality while revitalising our neighbourhood and inspiring positive change.”
Dr Read bought the site at 10 Welch Street in 2020 and the neighbouring site in 2023.
He and Mr Molhoek were in the very first student intake in 1973, when Keebra Park opened its classrooms in Anne Street’s housing commission community.
Dr Read became the school’s inaugural Captain. Mr Staerk graduated from Benowa Primary to Keebra in 1974.
A four decade veteran of state and council politics, public relations and lobbying, Mr Staerk has been involved in the Committee for Southport since it started.
He is launching CBD Gold Coast, which will campaign heavily for public and private investment to help businesses.
“Initially it will be about changing perceptions of Southport as an investment destination and strongly supporting council, State and Federal collaboration,” he said.
“My 2050 CBD Vision aims for all council, State and Federal government staff accommodation to be amalgamated in Southport, plus a Federal Circuit and State Supreme Court-anchored legal precinct – all within walking distance of the light rail.
“Before that will come private investment in commercial and residential projects – the proposed Gold Coast Arena for the 2032 Olympics and the potential upgrade of Australia Fair.
“CBD GC will keep the pressure on policy makers to ensure approval processes become as streamlined as possible.”
Mr Molhoek, the former Gold and Sea FM boss long involved in charity work before becoming a councillor then MP, senses a turnaround in Southport’s economic fortunes.
“It’s great to be supporting two blokes I’ve known since high school help deliver a vibrant CBD,” he said.
“Michael is voting with his wallet, investing $70 million so far and committing to more if governments deliver.
“Graham has always been a Southport patriot, helped deliver urban renewal in Brisbane, and knows how to campaign.”
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