Gold Coast's iconic Surfers Paradise is set for a major facelift with a $100 million redevelopment of Cavill Avenue Mall. The facelift will be the first major revamp in decades and aims to bring modern urban design to the heart of one of Australia’s most visited destinations.
According to Gold Coast City Councillor Darren Taylor, the revamp will create more green spaces and shaded areas, reducing the conflict between pedestrians and vehicles, and offering a more family-friendly environment. The redevelopment will see the mall extended by 100 meters toward Surfers Paradise Boulevard, reconfiguring existing vehicle lanes to prioritize pedestrians.
New plazas, green garden spaces, and water fountains will offer plenty of spots to relax, while digital art and lighting will inject energy into the area. The plan also includes integrating programmable lighting with the landscape and creating interactive art displays that will bring Cavill Mall to life after dark.
One of the most significant changes will be the closure of the tourist information centre, marking a shift to digital solutions. A new interactive and visually engaging experience will take its place, with feature lighting, digital projections, and modern landscaping transforming the space both day and night.
The pedestrianisation of The Esplanade is set to be another major change. The plan involves removing through traffic between Soul and Hanlan Street, creating over 5000m² of new space for people and events. This will turn approximately 250 metres of road into a walkable public space, linking Cavill Mall with the beach.
While the redevelopment won’t begin until 2028, procurement for contractors will kick off in 2026. In the meantime, further community consultation and feedback will continue, ensuring that the final design reflects the desires and needs of local residents and businesses.
