Demolition begins to pave way for new Surfers Paradise cultural hub
Published on 02 March 2026
The new Gold Coast Music Hall is one step closer with works beginning on the contemporary live music venue in the heart of Surfers Paradise today.
The existing Transit Centre at Beach Road is being repurposed to create the venue for the Gold Coast with an indoor performance space for up to 2,500 people.
“Today is an exciting milestone in the development of a new cultural hub at Surfers Paradise for both visitors and locals to enjoy,” Mayor Tom Tate said.
“The Transit Centre building is on City-owned land and was reaching the end of its life.
“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 central location makes perfect sense, close to public transport and on top of the existing basement section of Bruce Bishop Carpark which is currently being upgraded.
“We expect that the increased visitation to the precinct will support nearby businesses and further strengthen the local economy.”
The Gold Coast Music Hall has been designed as a modern, purpose-built live music venue to meet strong demand for a mid-sized touring auditorium and will also be suitable for comedy, cabaret, civic functions, and contemporary performances.
The venue’s design features will include an iconic entrance pavilion, foyer and bar, a main auditorium featuring a wrap‑around mezzanine balcony with tiered rear seating, a central box office and an outdoor event space.
The repurposed building will have a 50‑year lifespan and provide a contemporary venue for artists and audiences while complementing the nearby Surfers Paradise Revitalisation.
“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 added.
“It supports 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.”
Bruce Bishop Carpark is undergoing essential renewal works on its five-level basement carpark section which has 870 parking spots directly underneath the Gold Coast Music Hall.
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 along Beach Road will add seating and shade and increase pedestrian amenity.
Investment into the Gold Coast Music Hall is estimated to be around $40 million and works are expected to be completed in 2028, weather permitting.