A People-First Plan for Surfers Paradise

What if we imagined a Surfers Paradise designed for the people who live here, work here and visit here? After all as Jane Jacobs says “People make cities, and it is them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans.”

A plan that preserves our iconic trees, celebrates our unique character and transforms the Esplanade into a vibrant, playful and fully activated public space. It’s time for a vision that truly reflects the cultures of Surfers Paradise.

An alternative vision

The Council said it was too hard and too confusing to have a second design that showed the road remaining open to traffic. I disagree. So I made one. At least we can now discuss options.

A plan with the existing two way north / south road

The Council’s plan marked up with the palms and pines to be cut down

Our alternative plan with road showing the established greenery to be retained

Our plan with the additional palm trees identified

Bringing a new level to the Esplanade

Imagine the Esplanade transformed: north-south traffic flows smoothly, while pedestrians enjoy four wide bridge crossings, each crowned with first-floor pavilions inspired by the iconic yellow Surf Life Saving towers. These aren’t just walkways — they’re playful, multi-level spaces, with slides and nature-inspired staircases playfully connecting with the Esplanade below. First-floor pavilions and bridges provide rooftop dining to ceate new experiences and revenue streams.

Each bridge connects back to key destinations, activating underused areas of the precinct:

The first-floor dining level of the Surf Club,

A multi-level pedestrian park at the top end of Cavill Mall,

The restaurant level of Peppers Soul Hotel, and

The Hyde Paradiso restaurant level at Peppers Soul.

This approach unlocks a new layer of activity for the Esplanade economy, creating commercial experiences, event opportunities, and improved access to the beach without road crossings. It preserves 95% of existing trees and Pandanus palms, adds 31 new palms for added shade and streetscape rhythm, and activates the first-floor level with rooftop dining, premier event ticketing, and community spaces. Every element is designed to celebrate Surfers Paradise’s culture, energise its streets, and put residents and tourists first.

Why this matters

Surfers Paradise Esplanade is not a generic main street. It is a global icon. Our culture is fun, diverse and progressive. Our economy is driven by small business, tourism and lifestyle. Any revitalisation must celebrate and amplify this uniqueness. Surfers PAradise has a shortage of rooftop dining with ocean views. This design deliver four new elevated locations. each with space below for other activities requiring shelter or lock up.

Economic & Social Activation – new first floor activation for the Esplanade frontage.

‍Improved Access & Safety – Pedestrian bridges offer alternatives to road crossings, connecting the beach to key destinations safely.

Environmental Respect – Preserves almost all existing greenery and enhances urban ecology with new tree plantings.

Our principles

People First, Not Pavement Up – design must start with how locals and visitors live, not just infrastructure fixes.

Celebrate the Exotic – bold, colourful, tropical, flamboyant. Surfers is not beige.

Economic & Social Activation – unlock new revenue streams and event opportunities.

Cultural Connection – draw on iconic imagery, playful design and a sense of place that reflects Surfers Paradise’s unique energy.

Iconic, Not Anywhere – pavilions, shelters and lighting must scream “Surfers Paradise,” not “suburban mall.”

Culture & Subculture – reflect surf life saving, nightlife, youth, street art and diversity.

Green & Shaded – preserve and enhance tree cover with additional tropical planting.

Ocean & River as Anchors – link the two natural wonders with design that flows between them.

Day-to-Night Experience – dazzling by day, electric by night.

Playfulness & Fun – interactive, joyful, unique to Surfers.

What we ask of Council

1. We call on Council to set a clear unifying vision for Surfers Paradise: Not just “change for the sake of change.” Not piecemeal fixes from a pavement-up checklist. But a bold, world-class boulevard that enhances the Surfers lifestyle and shows it off to the world.
2. We call for at least a second design option — a people-first proposal that includes north south traffic on the road — to be presented to the community for discussion and debate.

Surfers Paradise deserves more than suburban streetscape upgrades. It deserves a vision that celebrates its people, culture, energy and gives tourists and residents alike a reason to return, explore and engage.

Let’s ensure that the next chapter of Surfers Paradise is built for the people looking for our special combination of city buzz and beach side chill. Let’s stop borrowing models from New York, Copenhagen, or Sydney. Surfers Paradise is already unlike anywhere else — it deserves a design that reflects our own DNA.

Surfers Paradise is not changing — it is evolving. Let’s do it right.

What we ask of you

Join us in asking Council for better. Take our survey, join our mailing list so we can stay in contact, send letters. If you are a business become a member and help us hep you.