Gold Coast Civic and Music Hall

Project typeArts and culture
Project value$40 million
Project scheduleJanuary 2026 to 2028

artist impression of music hall and carparking underneath

Artist impression of Gold Coast Civic Music Hall.

Surfers Paradise Transit Centre is being repurposed into a venue for live music, community events and cultural activities. The new venue will provide a flexible public entertainment space in the heart of Surfers Paradise. A section of Bruce Bishop Carpark will also be upgraded as part of this project.

Features

Mid-sized auditorium with a capacity of up to 2500 people
Flexible floor plan with multiple modes including banquet, cabaret and town hall
Wrap around mezzanine balcony
Distinctive entrance lobby off Beach Road
Outdoor garden
Food and beverage offerings
Back of house and loading zone
Upgraded 5-level basement car park under the venue

Construction details

Partial demolition and reconstruction of the Transit Centre building
Repair works to the 5-level basement carpark
Upgrades to power, water, sewer and telecommunications

Impacts during construction

For safety and access, there will be fencing, signage and detours for pedestrians and vehicles
We will work with nearby businesses and residents to manage construction impacts
The underground section of Bruce Bishop Carpark will be closed for repairs during construction
The above ground section of Bruce Bishop Carpark will remain open

Benefits for the community

A world-class venue for artists, events and businesses
The venue will attract national and international touring artists
The venue will bring new energy to the precinct around Beach Road, Cavill Avenue and Cavill Park
Events at the venue will enhance the Gold Coast's cultural profile, help attract more visitors to the Gold Coast and support local businesses
The site is centrally located close to public transport and surrounded by accommodation options, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors
In addition to live music, the venue will be able to host a range of events such as civic and award ceremonies, cabaret shows, private events and banquets
The venue will support the sustainable growth of the local music scene

What will happen to Bruce Bishop Carpark?

The Bruce Bishop Carpark complex has 2 separate buildings:

the 2-level above-ground carpark on Remembrance Drive and
the 5-level basement carpark underneath the Transit Centre.

The 2-level above-ground section of the carpark will remain open during construction of the civic and music hall.

The 5-level basement section will undergo repair works during construction of the venue. This section of the car park will be closed from time to time for safety reasons.

What will happen to the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre?

The Transit Centre will stop operating at its current site to make way for the new venue. We are planning a new facility for interstate express coach services on Cypress Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Construction is scheduled to start early 2026.

Project background

In 2023, Council committed to retaining public ownership of the Bruce Bishop Carpark and the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre. Council then resolved to transform the Transit Centre into a community and cultural venue.

Creating this new venue aligns with our vision to build a thriving music scene on the Gold Coast, which reflects the Gold Coast's creative history.

This project supports the City's Music Action Plan 2021, which aims to position the Gold Coast as a music-friendly city and make world-class music accessible to bring lasting cultural, social and economic benefits for everyone.