Works have begun on the Gold Coast Music Hall, a contemporary live music venue set to take shape in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
The project will repurpose the existing Transit Centre at Beach Road, transforming the ageing building on City-owned land into a new indoor performance space capable of hosting up to 2,500 people. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate described the start of works as “an exciting milestone in the development of a new cultural hub at Surfers Paradise for both visitors and locals to enjoy”.
According to the City, the decision to reuse the Transit Centre site was driven by the condition of the current structure and a desire to deliver the venue without starting from scratch at a new location. “The Transit Centre building is on City-owned land and was reaching the end of its life,” Mayor Tate said. “Rather than start from scratch somewhere else, we saw this as the perfect opportunity to reuse the existing structure to deliver a state-of-the-art music hall in the heart of Surfers Paradise.”
The Music Hall is being pitched as a modern, purpose-built venue designed to meet demand for a mid-sized touring auditorium. In addition to live music, it is expected to be suitable for comedy, cabaret, civic functions and contemporary performances.
Design features flagged for the venue include an iconic entrance pavilion, along with a foyer and bar. The main auditorium is set to incorporate a wrap-around mezzanine balcony with tiered rear seating, supported by a central box office and an outdoor event space.
The City says the repurposed building will have a 50-year lifespan, providing a contemporary venue for artists and audiences while complementing the nearby Surfers Paradise Revitalisation.
Mayor Tate said the central location was a key factor, pointing to the site’s proximity to public transport and its position above the existing basement section of Bruce Bishop Carpark, which is currently being upgraded. The City expects increased visitation to the precinct will support nearby businesses and strengthen the local economy.
The Music Hall also forms part of a broader renewal program in Surfers Paradise. “The Gold Coast Music Hall is part of the renewal of Surfers Paradise, including Cavill Avenue and the Esplanade, to transform the Gold Coast’s most recognised visitor precinct,” Mayor Tate said.
The project is linked to the City’s Music Action Plan 2021, which aims to grow local music infrastructure and support emerging and established talent, reinforcing the Gold Coast as a live music destination.
Meanwhile, essential renewal works are continuing on Bruce Bishop Carpark’s five-level basement, which provides 870 parking spaces directly underneath the Music Hall. The City said the two above-ground levels of the carpark have undergone a condition assessment, with a report prepared for Council this month.
Footpath upgrades and new landscaping are also planned along Beach Road, including additional seating and shade to improve pedestrian amenity.
Investment in the Gold Coast Music Hall is estimated at around $40 million. Works are expected to be completed in 2028, weather permitting. More information is available via the City of Gold Coast Music Hall webpage.
