The party returns to Surfers Paradise nightclub Shooters next month, almost two years after fire

SHOOTERS Lounge Bar and Nightclub will make its return to Surfers Paradise next month, almost two years after being closed by fire.

Generic party scene of mainly women raging on the dancefloor at Lady Lux nightclub, Kings Cross in Sydney.

SHOOTERS Lounge Bar and Nightclub will make its return to Surfers Paradise next month, almost two years after being closed by fire.

The blaze was sparked by an electrical switchboard in November 2012, forcing mass evacuations of the Orchid Avenue venue and adjoining Top of the Mark hotel during Schoolies week.

The new logo for Shooters nightclub in Surfers Paradise

Smoke filled a number of the hotel’s levels and Shooters general manager Dion Colefax said there was no choice but to close the nightclub.

CON MAN FOSTER’S SCAM IN BYRON HIDE-OUT

MISBEHAVING SCHOOLIES’ HOTEL LOCK UP

“Shooters was a complete write-off after that fire,” he said.

“The damage involved wasn’t just us either — it was with the building as well so it has taken quite a lot of time to get it back on its feet.”

After being out of business for two years Mr Colefax said the nightclub would be back bigger and better than ever.

“Inside has been completely gutted and everything in the club is brand new, so it is going to be different,” he said.

“We still have three rooms and three music styles because that worked really well but because we had so much damage it was the perfect opportunity to improve.”

Shooters nightclub is reopening next month, two years after a fire ripped through it. Workmen (L-R) Rick Stibbard, Jake Kiel, Josh Sloane and Dion Colefax at the shell of the new bar. Photo: Kit Wise

Gold Coast hotelier John Hussey is still involved with the venture after purchasing the club in 2009 with Top of the Mark landlords, Hagop Didizian and Trevor Park, of Hachma International.

Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw said the closure of Shooters had impacted on the nightclub precinct and he was happy to see the venue return.

An electrical fire at Shooters sent Schoolies revellers running back in 2012.

“Since that fire the night economy numbers have dropped off simply because the number of nightclubs had reduced and it will be good to see the club back in operation again,” he said.

One of the biggest and longest running clubs on the Gold Coast, the iconic venue was once recognised nationally and internationally due to its involvement with world-class events such as Indy and grand promotions such as Miss Shooters and Shooters Bachelor of The Year.

Shooters, back in 2004, before it was revamped and then damaged by fire. Pic: David Clark.

The venue, which has been around for more than 20 years, gained popularity early on because of its poolroom.

Three music styles on play now will be RnB, dance electro and old-school party favourites.

Construction is still a few weeks from completion but Mr Colefax said Shooters was expected to reopen in mid-November, just before Schoolies.

“Shooters has been an icon for Surfers Paradise that mums and dads have come through and then their kids have come here too once they’re older,” he said.

“We want to see the Gold Coast move forward and see Surfers Paradise be a premier holiday destination and we hope to be a part of that.”