Surfers pub eyes wedding market
ONE of Surfers Paradise’s most famous resorts is expanding its offerings in the latest stage of its multimillion-dollar revamp.
Bickle Investments has filed plans with the Gold Coast City Council to create a wedding and function centre at The Island.
A bar, kitchen and marquee area would be built over a 959sq m space created in an empty location on the hotel’s southern side near its lobby and overlooking the Bruce Bishop Carpark.
The outdoor function area would be licensed to operate from 10am to 3am.
A planning report filed with the council said new facilities would enhance the heart of the party precinct
“The proposed development improves the quality of tourist accommodation within Surfers Paradise and provides a range of ancillary facilities for the use of guests and visitors,” the report said.
“The proposed develop- ment has been designed to a high-quality urban standard.”
The report said the function centre would be incorporated into the hotel.
“The proposal provides a lively and convenient place to hold small functions,” the report said.
“The proposed development is to be a licensed premises at a form, scale and intensity that complements the role of the centre.”
The hotel was formerly known as The Islander when it was owned by Mayor Tom Tate, who sold it for $26.5 million in 2015 after first putting it on the market in 2012.
Now owned by nightclub owner Lou Bickle, it has undergone a significant upgrade in recent years which included revamping its existing facilities and building a new bar deck fronting Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Beach Road.
The bar area was expanded from 192sq m to 709sq m, as was the gaming area.
Bickle Investments also sought council approval for an additional six-level building, with rooftop terrace and expanded backpacker offerings.
According to documents filed in 2016, the new wing would include an outdoor bar and 15 backpacker suites spread over five levels, with each suite having a bathroom, powder room and shower.
It is yet to be built.
The wedding and function facility will go before the council’s planning committee later this year.