Live music capital

Southport touted as new entertainment hub

SOUTHPORT is fast becoming favourite for a global tourism hub as council works on a plan for the CBD to become the Gold Coast’s live music capital.

An officer’s report to be considered by full council recommends Southport be explored as the city’s first special entertainment precinct noting its connection to light rail.

Nine specific regions were considered but council instead will move forward with a plan to use the CBD as the first location for a Gold Coast Music Action Plan.

“The precinct will thrive 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be a hub of innovative business, economic activity, entertainment and leisure,” a council’s officer’s report said.

Workshops obtained 100 per cent support from businesses for a SEP in Southport.

A SEP model had helped the Brisbane City Council to develop the music scene in Fortitude Valley and expand it to West End.

Council sources said the action plan would be broader than Southport but the CBD was “the test centre for regulatory relaxation”.

The move will be welcomed by developers who want to include a large entertainment component as part of their global tourism hub bid.

Carey Park fronting Australia Fair is a favoured location where the Government, by leasing Crown land, could seek an entertainment centre, convention hall and potential boutique stadium as part of the deal.

Councillors at the lifestyle and community committee have recommended council endorse the music action plan at the next meeting of full council next Tuesday.

Committee chairman Councillor Hermann Vorster said the plan would be a boon to the economy while helping homegrown acts to hone their craft and find commercial success.