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Surfers Paradise Revitalisation - Trial Pedestrianisation of The Esplanade

Next steps for Surfers Paradise Revitalisation - Trial Pedestrianisation of The Esplanade!

We’re trialling a new idea: turning a 250-metre stretch of The Esplanade into a pedestrian-friendly space to see if it helps make Surfers Paradise more vibrant and welcoming.

Why are we doing this?

Over the past few years, we’ve spoken with the community about how to improve and renew Surfers Paradise. This started in 2019 with the Surfers Paradise Business Centre Place Making Master Plan, and continued in 2023 with the release of the first design concept for the Surfers Paradise Revitalisation project, focusing on upgrades to Cavill Avenue, Cavill Mall, and The Esplanade.

Based on subsequent community feedback, we updated the concept to include pedestrianising a section of The Esplanade. In April 2025, we asked for more input on this and 71% of respondents supported the idea.

What’s happening now?

To test the updated concept, the City has temporarily closed a 250-metre section of The Esplanade between Hanlan Street and the roundabout near the Soul building to vehicles.

During the trial, this space is being transformed into The People’s Esplanade Pop-Up - a lively hub of events, entertainment, and public seating designed to show how the area could work as an extension of Cavill Mall.

This is a chance to see how a permanent pedestrian space could benefit the Surfers Paradise beachfront.

What will the trial help us learn?

  • How traffic flows through Surfers Paradise during the trial closure of The Esplanade
  • How the community responds to the pop-up space and activities
  • Whether visitation and time spent in the area increases
  • What the community thinks about the events and pedestrianisation

Have your say!

We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts on the trial and go into the draw to win one of two $250 gift vouchers each month during the three-month trial (terms and conditions apply).

Community engagement runs from Friday 22 August to Sunday 16 November 2025.

Next steps for Surfers Paradise Revitalisation - Trial Pedestrianisation of The Esplanade!

We’re trialling a new idea: turning a 250-metre stretch of The Esplanade into a pedestrian-friendly space to see if it helps make Surfers Paradise more vibrant and welcoming.

Why are we doing this?

Over the past few years, we’ve spoken with the community about how to improve and renew Surfers Paradise. This started in 2019 with the Surfers Paradise Business Centre Place Making Master Plan, and continued in 2023 with the release of the first design concept for the Surfers Paradise Revitalisation project, focusing on upgrades to Cavill Avenue, Cavill Mall, and The Esplanade.

Based on subsequent community feedback, we updated the concept to include pedestrianising a section of The Esplanade. In April 2025, we asked for more input on this and 71% of respondents supported the idea.

What’s happening now?

To test the updated concept, the City has temporarily closed a 250-metre section of The Esplanade between Hanlan Street and the roundabout near the Soul building to vehicles.

During the trial, this space is being transformed into The People’s Esplanade Pop-Up - a lively hub of events, entertainment, and public seating designed to show how the area could work as an extension of Cavill Mall.

This is a chance to see how a permanent pedestrian space could benefit the Surfers Paradise beachfront.

What will the trial help us learn?

  • How traffic flows through Surfers Paradise during the trial closure of The Esplanade
  • How the community responds to the pop-up space and activities
  • Whether visitation and time spent in the area increases
  • What the community thinks about the events and pedestrianisation

Have your say!

We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts on the trial and go into the draw to win one of two $250 gift vouchers each month during the three-month trial (terms and conditions apply).

Community engagement runs from Friday 22 August to Sunday 16 November 2025.

Page last updated: 26 Aug 2025, 01:19 PM