A decision is looming on the future of The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise, with a report recommending it be closed permanently.
Council’s Transport & Infrastructure Committee will meet today to debate the controversial move, which has divided locals.
The section of road along the foreshore was first shut in August last year as part of a three-month trial, which was later extended until the end of March.
The report to be presented to committee members shows 1.13 million pedestrians were recorded on time-lapse cameras in the trial zone between September and December, while the number of visitors to the beach surged by 68% during the trial.
Around 59 per cent of the community supported the move between August and November, rising to 72 per cent between December and March.
Spending in the tourist precinct was up 3.68 per cent overall, with restaurants enjoying a 13 per cent bump.
A survey done during the second phase of the trial found 71 per cent of businesses backed the move.
“The feedback that we’ve received from all of the shopping centres in Surfers are incredibly positive about the closure,” Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce President Laura Younger said.
“Like anything, there will be some people who are not happy. But it’s one of those things where we’re going to end up with 5,000 square metres of pedestrian-friendly space, which will in turn, once it’s done properly, bring a lot more people into the precinct.”
The trial closure is part of long-term plans for a $100 million revitalisation of the Surfers Paradise precinct, which would also include an overhaul of Cavill Ave.
Matthew Keegan, Managing Partner of Artesian Hospitality, which is behind popular venues including Cali Beach Club, Surfers Pavilion, Bedroom and Havana, says the closure has benefited the whole area.
“It’s been something that assisted initially with people coming back into Surfers for something new,” Keegan said.
“It’s also been useful for businesses that have been able to expand their footprint along the Esplanade, but more importantly, it’s part of the broader revitalisation project, and I think it’s long overdue.”
Many local residents and transport businesses argue that the closure has caused traffic bedlam in the suburb, which was highlighted by the forced closure of Ferny Ave earlier this month due to a serious accident.
Image: City of Gold Coast
State MP for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek is among those calling for the road to be reopened, citing safety reasons.
The committee report shows that average travel times on surrounding streets only increased by as much as 14 seconds, however, that increased to as much as 2.5 minutes during January.
Those in support of the permanent closure are urging people to think of the long-term gains.
“At the moment, it’s been closed, and it’s had a few pretty things put in there, but that is not how it will look in the future,” Ms Younger said.
“So, once the full mall is actually completely refurbished and the foreshore is done properly across that road. It will be a completely different precinct that will attract a lot more locals and visitors into town.”
“I think that it’s important that we make progress. I think that it’s important that we revitalise Surfers and the closure and the future plans for what’s going to happen along the boardwalk are critical to improving the area, improving the suburb for locals and businesses alike,” Mr Keegan said.
Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee will vote on the closure this afternoon before the matter goes to Full Council next week.
