The Esplande in Surfers Paradise is set to remain closed permanently, with the stretch of road to remain closed to vehicles, after a heated vote by councillors today. ​
The decision, which restricts traffic between Hanlan Street and the Soul building, was officially endorsed by the city’s Planning Committee before reaching the full council.
The road has been closed since earlier last year as part of the trial, and will now move to planning for a 20 million dollar, major redevelopment of the area.
Councillor Darren Taylor championed the initiative, urging his colleagues to focus on the long-term advantages of the closure. Addressing the underlying purpose of the change, he highlighted that the goal is to manage the city’s ongoing population growth and reshape the future of the popular area.
The core objective is to transition the precinct into a space designed primarily for people to experience on foot, shifting away from its history as an avenue for drivers to simply pass through.
This permanent traffic closure will function as a foundational element in a broader, multi-million dollar revitalisation strategy aimed at upgrading the tourist hub.
However, there have been many vocal opponents of the plan, with councillors and residents raising concerns about traffic, emergency access to the area, and a reduction in foot traffic. While many other business owners support the plan, citing increased patronage to their businesses, I suppose only time will tell.
