Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel and Residences repairs still underway after roof fire

Surfers Paradise locals say they’re still avoiding walking under the western Hilton tower three months after a fire tore through its roof. Here’s what management have to say.

Surfers Paradise locals say they’re still avoiding walking under the western Hilton tower three months after a fire tore through its roof – with restoration work not expected to be completed until the end of August.

On March 14 emergency services were called to the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel and Residences along Surfers Paradise Boulevard at around 2am after a fire broke out on the roof.

At the time nearby residents watched on as fireballs fell from the sky, unleashing multiple blazes on both the Hilton’s pool deck and the street below.

Joevy Lyn captured the moment a ball of fire dropped from the top level at the Hilton in Surfers Paradise. Photo: Facebook/Joevy Lyn

Three months on and local residents are stunned the damage to the top of the tower has still not been repaired.

“Besides being an eyesore, it doesn’t look safe,” one resident said.

“You’d think insurance would be demanding a swift repair – it’s a safety issue. If there’s a heavy wind or something heavy comes loose and falls through that netting, it’s going to get through and whatever it is could hit a pedestrian.”

The area which held a decorative sign on the building’s facade is now a burnt hole, with metalwork and a net 32 stories up.

The Hilton Surfers Paradise logo sign is still yet to be repaired months after the roof was engulfed in flames. Picture Glenn Hampson

Below are multiple businesses, a pedestrian walkway, Surfers Paradise Boulevard and the Cavill Ave tram station nearby.

“No way am I walking underneath it,” the resident added.

Despite public safety concerns Peter Hitschler, the principal licensee and asset manager for 3113 Surfers Paradise who manage the residential tower, said the area is “fully secure”.

“The safety and stability of the area have been thoroughly assessed, and we can confirm that it is fully secure,” Mr Hitschler said.

The Hilton Surfers Paradise logo sign is still yet to be repaired months after the roof was engulfed in flames. Picture Glenn Hampson

“All necessary precautions and controls are in place, and the site is being monitored in line with best practice and industry standards.”

Mr Hitschler said delays were due to restoration work being undertaken in co-ordination with scheduled tram line closures and associated traffic control along Surfers Paradise Boulevard.

“This necessitated a thorough approval process with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the work site and minimise disruption to the public,” he said.

“Preliminary rooftop works have already commenced in anticipation of these final approvals.”

Mr Hitschler said there was no impact to guests or the building’s residents, adding: “We appreciate the community’s understanding and co-operation as these works are completed.”

Originally published as Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel and Residences repairs still underway after roof fire