Raising glasses at Kirra

A GOLD Coast pub destined to be replaced by a 15-storey tower is about to undergo a major change in time for summer – but all the action will be at ground level rather than up high.

A new beer garden is proposed for the the Kirra Beach Hotel under plans submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

It has been earmarked for vacant land next to the watering hole which had units on it before they were demolished.

The site will be turfed and a fence erected around it with much of the existing greenery retained.

Councillor Gail O’Neill for the area said the beer garden would likely remain until the site was re- developed along with the pub into a tower overlooking the famous Kirra beach.

“Everyone is waiting with bated breath for something to happen with that site, given they have had an approval for a long time,” she said.

“I’m not surprised they are looking at this now and it is an appropriate measure.

“This hotel is a good part of the community and I cannot see this being a problem.”

Redevelopment plans for the site have long been stalled.

A 25-storey tower was once proposed for the land but this was later knocked down to 15 storeys.

It was approved in 2014 but is yet to be built.

The hotel has operated for more than 60 years.