Gold Coast Music Hall and open space

Project typeArts and culture
Project scheduleJanuary 2026 to 2028

Artist impression of Gold Coast Music Hall.

The former 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.

This project will also:

create a new public open green space on the current site of the 2-level Bruce Bishop Carpark building
extend the life of the 5-level basement (underground) section of Bruce Bishop Carpark.

Together, these works will create a new entertainment and community destination and help revitalise the western end of Surfers Paradise.

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
New parkland next to the venue

Construction details

Partial demolition and reconstruction of the Transit Centre building
Repair works to the 5-level basement carpark
Removal of the 2-level above-ground carpark and reinstatement of open green space
Construction of a new direct access to the 5-level basement carpark

Impacts during construction

For safety and access, there will be fencing, signage and detours for pedestrians and vehicles
Demolition works from mid-2026 through 2027 will generate construction noise at times
The basement section of Bruce Bishop Carpark will be closed for repairs during construction and will reopen in 2028
The 2-level Bruce Bishop Carpark building will close for demolition works from 2027

Benefits for the community

A world-class venue for artists, events and businesses
Attraction of national and international touring artists to the Gold Coast
Renewal of the western precinct of Surfers Paradise around Beach Road
More visitors to the Gold Coast to support local businesses
Centrally located site 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
New public open green space will create a greener and more welcoming precinct
Most onsite parking will be retained through the upgraded basement carpark

Economic benefits

The Music Hall will deliver ongoing economic benefits for Surfers Paradise and the wider city by supporting jobs, local businesses and the visitor economy.

During design and construction, the project will contribute around $16 million to the local economy over three years, supporting construction‑related jobs and local suppliers. Once operational, the venue is expected to support around 100 ongoing jobs each year through its operations and associated services.

By attracting national and international touring artists and audiences, the Music Hall will also support the tourism, hospitality and accommodation sectors, encouraging visitors to spend more time in Surfers Paradise and boosting activity for nearby businesses.

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 in 2026. It will close for demolition works throughout 2027. Direct access will be constructed into the upgraded basement carpark.

The 5-level basement section will undergo repair works during construction of the venue. It will reopen following construction of the new direct access.

What will happen to the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre?

The Transit Centre has ceased operating to make way for the new venue. We are currently constructing a new facility for interstate express coach services on Cypress Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

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.

The site will remain a public asset focused on entertainment and culture, community and public space.

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.