MARKETS MOVING ON UP
FROM the sand to a rooftop, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets have been temporarily relocated for the first time in 25 years.
The stalls have moved from the Esplanade to the top of the 4217 Urban Village to accommodate the Commonwealth Games.
They will also run every day from 4pm throughout the Games, rather than the usual three evenings a week.
Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw said the impact of ramped up Games security measures was the reason behind the move.
However, the new location meant stallholders had to choose between trading in one spot for 12 days, or returning when the markets moved back ‘home’.
Mr Winlaw said the ultimatum halved the number of traders.
“On the beachfront we run 105 stalls, with the Rooftop Markets we have about 50 or 60 stallholders,” he said.
The market features a jumping castle, bungy trampoline, rock climbing wall and movies playing on a giant screen, as well as roving entertainers.