Buzzing for a cut of Games
FOOT traffic is the key to booming business in Broadbeach during the Commonwealth Games.
The suburb, which is home to cafes, restaurants and a buzzing night-life, is used to congested roads, minimal parking and swarms of pedestrians. Many locals and businesses say they won’t feel a pinch when the Commonwealth Games comes around.
In Elizabeth Ave, Alex Nicolaou, 77, said he could already feel excitement in the air.
The grandfather bought his Broadbeach apartment 21 years ago. He said he and his neighbours would not make huge changes to their routines.
“We are party people. If you live around here you love night-life, cafes and walking,” he said. “There is always something happening in Broadbeach which is why I chose to live here.
“The country music festival is always a great time and I walk over to the casino for dinner most nights.
“Living here is the best decision I could have made.”
Mr Nicolaou said although he would be around for the Commonwealth Games, he would watch most of the coverage on screen.
“The coverage will be phenomenal. I won’t even need to leave my house,” he said.
But he did have one concern – making his dental appointments on time.
“My question is, what the hell is going to happen to traffic? I have no idea how bad it really will be, but I don’t own a car anyway. I catch the tram and bus everywhere.”
Across the road at Barber Bros, walk-ins are expected to bring in big business for owners Darwin Dejdic, Amir Kanalic and Dennis and Alen Celahmetovic.
Unlike other businesses on the Gold Coast, they won’t be making big changes to accommodate the Games.
“We are really looking forward to the Games so we can showcase our talent to Sydney and Melbourne customers and others across Australia and overseas,” Mr Dejdic said.
“We can’t wait to give them the perfect barber experience.
“As we have always been a walk-in service we don’t have much to change.
“Maybe we will change rosters to get staff on half an hour early but it’s business as usual at Barber Bros.”
Big wigs with big wallets could be tempted by some of the Coast’s amazing real estate.
Lucy Cole from Lucy Cole Prestige Properties said she has prepared for the call from potential buyers.
She had organised accommodation for all her staff to stay at surrounding hotels and had her own boat to ferry buyers across Gold Coast waterways.
“We are prepared for the Games and the buyers who will come and be stunned by how amazing this city is,” she said.
“The location of our shopfront is really handy too because we can help those who are curious – or enticed – about all the new apartments being built and some of the properties on the market.
“We have certainly planned ahead.”
Walking to work is no problem for Ric Tuk, who is on a working visa from Holland.
The 24-year-old chef at Koi Dining & Lounge Bar said he walked from Mermaid Beach to Broadbeach every day.
“I am really excited for the Games. I know the restaurant will get busy but that’s all part of it,” he said.
Mr Tuk said Koi would stay open 24 hours a day.
“I don’t know what to expect but I’m looking forward to meeting new people,” he said.