But the Main Beach landmark cafe and boutiques strip has roared back to life in the past 12 months on the back of a multi-billion dollar development wave, with empty shops again packed and business booming.

And it’s about to get busier. More than 1200 new residents are expected to move into the suburb in the next 18 months as six key tower projects reach completion.

Further north on The Spit, ground has already broken on Gordon Corp’s $300m Mantaray Residences project, with work soon to begin on the $500m redevelopment of Marina Mirage.

The $400m redevelopment of Mariner’s Cove to become a luxury Ritz Carlton hotel is also imminent.

Long-time residents say the suburb has turned a corner but the success is also a doubled-edged sword.

Main Beach Association leader Sue Donovan said the new developments had brought life back to the area but the surge of workers and new residents put pressure on the area’s existing parking.

“It’s impossible to get a parking space in Tedder Ave or even near it right now, which is a real problem for anyone hoping to come here,” she said.

“Otherwise it is buzzing and every cafe and restaurant full, especially those who deliver a good product.

“Hot Shott and Hard Coffee particularly are among those which are outstanding, and both Mano's and Domanis are doing well. It’s been nice to see Tedder Ave become a vibrant local community.

“Partially it’s because of these new developments which will see our population increase threefold once they are all done which is great news for Tedder Ave,” she said.

Among the projects rising in central Main Beach are The Monaco, Midwater, the Drift Residences and the two-tower Lagoon project.

All have reported strong sales from buyers, with Lagoon, which is being built by Drew Group, having already sold 85 per cent of its 259 units off the plan. The Cronin Ave project is rising from the ground, having already reached its fifth level.

Drew Group founder Jon Drew said Main Beach had long held potential for a revamp.

“With Lagoon, we have endeavoured to create a property that will become an integral part of the community, driving positive change in the neighbourhood we call home,” he said.

“We are always aiming to improve the performance and efficiency of our developments, especially when it comes to focusing on sustainability, while at the same time, we want to support the future residents of Lagoon to embed themselves within the local community and this element of local trust is key.

“Tedder Ave’s commercial district has so much potential and having grown up here and understanding the challenges and opportunities we face, I’m committed to working alongside our key local stakeholders to breathe new life into the area’s business scene.”

Several other large-scale developments have been pitched for central Main Beach but are yet to be approved by the council or put to the market.

The post-Covid revamp of the area caps off a dramatic comeback for Tedder Ave, which was described nearly a decade ago as “dying”.

The first half of the 2010s was a dire period for Main Beach, with locals blaming the construction of the light rail between Griffith University and Broadbeach for a decline in visitors.

A January 2015 Bulletin report revealed at least six restaurants, four clothing boutiques and the TAB had closed since Christmas 2014.

A lack of attractions other than restaurants to entice visitors and some of the highest commercial rents on the tourist strip were also blamed for the suburb’s woes. On top of that, the boost in hospitality city wide in most suburbs was also earmarked as a reason for impacting Tedder Ave’s customer base.

At the time small retail spaces were leasing for $111,000 annually, while restaurant spaces were around $195,000.

However business operators say there is a renewed sense of optimism on the back of a raft of new tenants moving in and thriving cafes and restaurants.

Long-time Shuck Restaurant owner Scott Budgen said the turnaround in the past year had been dramatic for business operators.

“As a local resident and business owner for the last 35 years, we’ve seen the highs and lows of the Tedder Ave journey,” he said.

“It’s great to see the excitement come back to the precinct, with a number of developments now being delivered that will only enhance the longevity and vibrancy of Tedder Ave, both for business owners and our residential community.”

Ms Donovan said the imminent closure of Marina Mirage to make way for its redevelopment held an upside for locals, with hopes businesses such as the centre’s post office will relocate to the heart of Main Beach.

“There’s a really good atmosphere right now, though several of the Tedder Ave buildings are currently occupied by developer sales suites and once those apartments are sold those premises will become vacant again,” she said.

“There’s good and bad news – it’s really buzzy though the imminent redevelopment of Marina Mirage is going to have an impact – those business are going to lose their premises and it is possible they will end up coming here to Tedder Ave.”

Area councillor Darren Taylor attributed the turnaround both to the development wave and the creation of the Main Beach Collective, a stakeholder engagement group which brings together community groups, businesses, residents and council to discuss issues in the area.

Meeting quarterly since 2021, it has also helped initiate several events, bringing more people back into the area.

“Density and development have been a big challenge for the area but what it is doing is bringing people back in there and it is amazing to see how many are selling up and moving in there,” he said.

“The traders and residents have really got on board in recent years since Covid and we have events like the Main Beach Festival, Top Dog and it is bringing back the vibe that everyone used to talk about and attracting business.

“Change is always difficult for the community but this has brought people together, it’s changing the environment and we can already see that.”