Trader talks with council
BROADBEACH traders are in talks with the Gold Coast Council on how to revitalise the city’s premier restaurant precinct after the closure of up to 15 businesses.
David Bennedick, the owner of Surf Parade businesses 1Two3 Dining and Lounge Bar and The Coffee Club, said he tried to contact Councillor Paul Taylor since roadworks began in May 2016.
A delegate met with Cr Taylor yesterday to put forward possible solutions to help businesses, some of which are paying $20,000 every month in rent. They include relocating the Kurrawa Park markets and a new festival.
“There’s some very basic things that can be done that can help Broadbeach and that’s the festivals and bringing the markets out of an empty park,” Mr Bennedick said.
“We used to have the three festivals — the Country Music Festival, Blues on Broadbeach and the Jazz Festival. Monday, May 14
“Now that the Jazz Festival is gone and the upgrades (on Surf Pde) are done, we need to bring something back in its place. Festivals bring people.
Cr Taylor said: “I had a productive meeting but it is too early to publicly comment on how we can further assist business in the precinct.”
While the weekend's Blues on Broadbeach was a huge success for operators, Mr Bennedick said it was not enough to make up for the massive losses due to the Surf Pde upgrades and the Commonwealth Games disrupting Easter trade.
“Blues Festival was very successful, two thumbs up. I can’t emphasise how critical its success is for Broadbeach in general, but it’s not enough, not even close. It’s one event.
“The reality is for the damage that’s been created you would need at least 10 Blues on Broadbeach festivals to look close at recovering the losses.
“That’s why now we’re not asking for sympathy, we’re not asking council for money, we’re giving feedback as to what needs to be done to make sure these small businesses don’t have to shut their door like so many others.”
The issue came to a head publicly last week when longtime tenant Onyx announced last Sunday would be their final day of trading after 11 years.
Also added to the list of closures is Junk Asian, Burger Trip, GC Republic and most recently, Red Steakhouse and Burger Bar. Aztec Mexican, a tenant at Victoria Ave for more than 20 years, has relocated to Albert Ave and Axis Restaurant and Bar is set to close by the end of the month.