Asian street food comes to Surfers Paradise
A Surfers Paradise laneway is being transformed into a Shanghai style food alley.
Work is now underway on the $8 million project getting it ready for the Commonwealth Games.
Cavill Lane walkway will be turned into a bustling authentic hub for Asian cuisine, known as 8 Street.
Construction crews have moved in with initial demolition work that started in September.
With 200 subcontractors now working on it, the aim is to have 8 Street completed by December.
It is expected to be open to the public in January.
Stretching over 2200 square metres, the site will have a “stately red” gate entrance off bar and restaurant strip Orchid Avenue.
Burleigh Heads-based Altran Project Management managing director Troy Brown said more than 30 street food vendors would be part of the precinct. There would also be an open bar and a winding laneway with themed zones inspired by Asia.
“It is great to be able to work on a major development like this where we are working within site and time constraints to bring something different and really appealing to the Coast in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Brown told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
Denwol Group senior development manager Craig Blackstone said the plan would see 8 Street operating as an open-air dining hub. The design, including cobbled streets, weathered brick cladding, murals, authentic Chinese roof tiles, silk lanterns and ruby toned festoon lights, would capture all the vibrant atmosphere of an authentic hawker’s market in Asia.
Architect firm PMDL is designed it with open kitchens featuring chefs preparing exotic dishes in view of patrons.
“The concept aims to not only breathe life into the Cavill Lane shopping centre, but also to regenerate and reactivate this once vibrant part of Surfers Paradise,” Blackstone told the Gold Coast Bulletin. Another firm of architects Hames Sharley will be working on the furniture and finish.
by Leon Gettler, October 30th 2017
