MELBAS REBORN
OVERHAUL OF AN INSTITUTION
A FLASH new gastropub replacing Surfers Paradise bar and nightclub institution Melbas will anchor a major overhaul of the site’s entire Cavill Avenue corner.
Ever-expanding hospitality operator Hallmark Group is leasing the empty Melbas on the Park ground floor from billionaire Bob Ell’s Leda Holdings and plans to reinvent it as The Cavill Hotel.
Among its features will be an impressive corner entrance onto Cavill Avenue.
The new venue is part of a wider overhaul for the site, further opening up laneways including one under Surfers Paradise RSL to Beach Road and dining spots Brooklyn Depot, Salt Meats Cheese and Paradox.
Melbas demolition has started and Hallmark Group director Matt Heanen said up to $2 million was earmarked for fitout and site works to create The Cavill Hotel. Hallmark Group hopes a contemporary fit-out, new dining experience and state of the art gaming lounge will give a fresh lease of life to Cavill Avenue when it launches late September or early October.
Mr Heanen said it was clear gastropubs were having a strong resurgence: “We anticipate The Cavill Hotel will quickly cement its reputation as one of Surfers Paradise’s most loved venues with something for everyone, so it’s an incredibly exciting offering to bring to the Gold Coast.
“The impressive sports bar and gaming lounge will be a hero offering,” he said, along with reliable, homely service, a modern menu, TAB facilities and luxury seating.
Patrons could expect a modern refurbishment featuring “edgy wooden accents”, 1950s artwork and greenery.
The Cavill Hotel would also draw on the site’s local heritage to pay homage to Brisbane hotelier and pioneer, Jim Cavill: “While it is the end of an era for Melbas, we’re beyond excited to breathe new life into the former buzzing nightspot and offer Gold Coasters a new and improved Cavill Avenue experience in a location they already know and love.
“Jim Cavill played an integral role in developing the Glitter Strip, launching The Surfers Paradise Hotel back in 1925 – the first attraction of the suburb. The new venue will celebrate this history.”
Hallmark has Surfers nightclubs Asylum, Retros and recently launched Lost Kingdom plus Irish bar Finn McCool’s across the road from the new Cavill Hotel site.
Leda is knocking out the infamous Melbas outdoor toilets and a spokesman said: “The idea is to open it up and get a dining precinct going from Salt Meats Cheese, Brooklyn Depot, Paradox to The Cavill Hotel and White Rhino.”
It’s understood existing Japanese restaurant You will shift to a bigger neighbouring tenancy with a new Asian eatery going where You is now.