FAQs
- An iconic beach amphitheatre: a curved amphitheatre that abuts the sand on the beach includes terraced seating and creates a welcoming gathering space with enhanced disability and pram access. The amphitheatre creates opportunities for small scale activations on the beach and contributes to a unique and visually striking precinct that reinforces Surfers Paradise as a world-class destination.
- More shade and greenery: additional trees and shade pavilions contributes to urban cooling, making the area more comfortable and inviting throughout the day.
- A safer Oceanway: The Oceanway path has been redesigned as a meandering pathway designed to slow cyclists and e-bikes, improving pedestrian comfort and safety.
- More simplified design: The design has been modified to simplify the headlands proposed in the original concept design to address coastal engineering challenges, ensuring a more practical and achievable design.
- Pedestrian Transformation: Removal of traffic between Soul and Hanlan Street significantly increases public open space, creating a safer, more vibrant, and flexible area for events, outdoor activities, and everyday enjoyment.
- Assess traffic flow impacts: We’ll be able to monitor real-time changes in traffic patterns throughout Surfers Paradise during the trial to identify areas for improvement.
- Improve traffic management: We’ve modelled the expected effect on traffic and have prepared options for a range of traffic improvement measures throughout Surfers Paradise to accommodate this change. The trial will provide the inputs into minimising congestion and travel times.
- George Street, Sydney (2022): City of Sydney completed the permanent pedestrianisation of the southern section of the famous boulevard in mid-2022 after a successful trial in 2020. This featured a 780m stretch with 9000m2 of space. George Street has gone from a congested roadway to a vibrant pedestrian precinct.
- Times Square, New York City (2009): One of the world’s most iconic pedestrianisation projects saw central Manhattan transformed. This led to an 84% increase in people spending time in the area, a 74% boost in positive user experiences, and a 35% drop in pedestrian injuries.
- Stroget, Copenhagen (1962): This is the world's oldest and longest pedestrian street. In its first year, pedestrian numbers increased by 35%, and the number of people spending time in the area quadrupled.
Why did the City redesign the concept plan for The Esplanade?
We asked the community for feedback on the original concept design in 2023 for the Surfers Paradise Revitalisation. This includes upgrades to Cavill Avenue, Cavill Mall, and The Esplanade.
While there was strong support, we also received valuable feedback on how to enhance the design
Community feedback highlighted opportunities to make the design for The Esplanade more iconic, improve pedestrian safety, create more public open space, and consider closing the road.
Taking this feedback into account, we updated the design with some key changes, including the pedestrianisation of The Esplanade.
The aim is to deliver the best possible outcome for the future of Surfers Paradise. We believe it’s worth taking the extra time to create a space that is truly exceptional.
What is different from this design to the previous design?
What does the pedestrianisation involve?
The pedestrianisation of The Esplanade will transform approximately 250 metres of road into a walkable public space between Hanlan Street and Soul. This creates a seamless pedestrian connection between Cavill Mall and the beach.
This change will increase public open space, improve pedestrian safety, and create a more vibrant, flexible area for events, outdoor activities, and everyday enjoyment. The City will trial this change before making a final decision, monitoring traffic impacts and making adjustments as needed.
The idea of pedestrianising a section of The Esplanade has been considered since the 1960s, with various models explored but never trialled.
Will there be any loss of carparks along The Esplanade?
No. As with the original concept design there are no loss of carparks on The Esplanade.
Will the City trial the pedestrianisation of The Esplanade?
Yes, the City will trial the pedestrianisation of The Esplanade. We will use the trial as an investigative process and make adjustments to the traffic network as required.
Initial traffic counts show that 60% of vehicles using the 250 metre length of the Esplanade are not using it to travel to a destination north or south of the area.
The trial will allow us to:
Have other cities successfully pedestrianised areas like this?
Yes, many cities around the world have successfully transformed high-traffic areas into pedestrian-friendly spaces, creating iconic urban environments, improving safety, boosting local businesses, and enhancing visitor experiences.
The City has carefully considered successful case studies, including well-known pedestrian precincts in Australia and internationally, to ensure this project delivers the best outcome for Surfers Paradise.
Case studies include:
When is construction likely to begin? What needs to happen before construction?
Construction is currently scheduled for 2028. Before this begins the City will initiate a comprehensive tender process to select a contractor and finalise a detailed, shovel-ready design.
Why is the project taking so long?
The Surfers Paradise Revitalisation project is critical for the future of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast, ensuring a lasting benefit for current and future residents as well as visitors. As a major tourism hub, the upgrade must be carefully planned to avoid disruption during construction, so we can balance progress with the needs of businesses and visitors. With $100 million allocated, we are combining stages to deliver the project effectively, which requires more detailed planning.
How will existing businesses along The Esplanade be impacted?
The City is working closely with businesses to ensure that any disruption during the trial pedestrianisation and future construction is minimised. Pedestrian access to businesses will always be able to maintained during the trial and during construction.
What environmental considerations are being taken into account for the project?
Environmental sustainability is a key priority in the updated design. The project includes increased greenery, shading, and measures to maximise longevity of the infrastructure.
How can I stay updated on the progress of the project?
We will provide regular updates through project bulletins, social media, and the dedicated project web page. You can sign up for updates to this web page to receive updates and stay informed about upcoming consultations, changes, and milestones in the project timeline.
What are the next steps?
Second half of 2025: We will conduct a 4-month trial pedestrianisation of The Esplanade, aligned with key events such as the Pacific Airshow, Schoolies and the GC500. The trial will provide valuable insights and allow the community to experience the change over time.
Early 2026: Decision on the pedestrianisation of The Esplanade based on trial outcomes.
2026–2027: Prepare and launch a tender process to appoint a design and construction contractor.
2027–2028: Detailed, shovel-ready design developed and completed.
March 2028–March 2029: Construction period
How can I get involved?
We want to hear from you! Have your say on the updated design for The Esplanade between 8 April and 28 April 2025.
Visit the GC Have Your Say webpage at gchaveyoursay.com.au/surfersparadise where you can find out more about the updated design for The Esplanade.
How will my feedback help?
Your feedback will help us understand the communities sentiment and concerns with the updated design for The Esplanade.
I don’t see my question here?
If you have a particular question about the updated design for the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, email set@goldcoast.qld.gov.au