Islander Resort Redevelopment (Surfers Paradise)

[Fabian]

I read in the Gold Coast Bulletin on a database online and there are plans to redevelop the existing Islander Resort Hotel in Surfers Paradise.

Owner Tom Tate wants to knock down the backpackers wing and replace it with a bigger and taller building to cater for 500 backpackers. It would be 12 storeys tall.

Also he also wants to place an artwork of the famous bikini maids along one side of the existing tower.

How much it will cost if approved - $10 million.

[Dimethyltryptamine]

Ew. Wish they'd just knock the heap of junk down and sell the land. The islander is an embarrassment.

[SM247]

Originally Posted by Dimethyltryptamine

Ew. Wish they'd just knock the heap of junk down and sell the land. The islander is an embarrassment.

I concur. The building is an unsavory relic and should be flattened - build it up into something that will support the rapid transit system and any future plans for the transit centre site.

[matt :)]

Originally Posted by Fabian

Also he also wants to place an artwork of the famous bikini maids along one side of the existing tower.

wow, that sounds..... terrible. so, so tacky.. even for the gold coast.

[Fabian]

You should have seen the artists impression - It would be drawn in the way it would have been done in the 1950's and 1960's.

[TOCC]

I think the concept of encouraging the backpackers tourism is a good idea however

[Fabian]

The GC Bulletin report mentions that the Gold Coast has been struggling to attract backpackers for some time now. Now is a good chance to do something about it.

The smaller building is featured in this shot towards the right. In height terms it would equal the height of the hotel tower.

[Dimethyltryptamine]

Islander Resort looks for new ideas



A MURAL of a giant Meter Maid set to grace the side of the Islander Resort has been scrapped following Surfers Paradise locals' complaints it was too tacky.

Resort owner Tom Tate revealed his renovation plans, which involved painting the 11-storey high bikini babe, in June.

However, the public backlash has prompted a change of heart from the businessman.

''After I revealed my plans I had a lot of people tell me they thought it was tacky,'' said Mr Tate.

''It would have been done with class, but I want to listen to the opinions of the community.

''One person said they were here in the 1960s when bikinis were the Surfers Paradise icon 'but it's time to move on'.

''That struck a chord with me.''

He said he would now hold a competition, allowing Gold Coasters to help him decide how to decorate the exterior hotel wall.

''I am thinking now the feature wall should be something modern, perhaps even a light show on the side of the building, keeping in theme with our Vegas theme.''

The east-facing feature wall is only a small part of Mr Tate's long-term plans for the building.

The Islander resort's $10 million makeover will result in the building's extension from 11 to 14 storeys, while the Islander backpackers hostel will be demolished and rebuilt with double the number of beds.

The upgrade was prompted after a wall in the backpackers hostel began to crumble earlier this year.

Renovations have already begun on the restaurant and bar and an outdoor alfresco dining area with free wireless internet will open on Surfers Paradise Boulevard in early November.

Area councillor Susie Douglas said she was pleased the bikini girl idea had been taken off the table.

''We are trying to lift the image of Surfers Paradise, so the feedback Mr Tate received is pleasing,'' she said.

''It would be great to see a modern mural or light show on the wall.''

[TOCC]

yay finally, gold coast shows a bit of maturity

[matt :)]

thank fuck.

[Fabian]

A bit disappointed with plans to axe the bikini maid, but I am impressed with the fact they will add extra floors to the main tower. The new backpacker hostel tower looks classy.

[Locke]

damn, I wanted the maid. I mean I think TT is a total doofus but at least he got that right, course now he's retracted it I can't even say that.

[gho]

Originally Posted by matt :)

thank fuck.

agree, but still cringing over him talking about the 'las vegas' theming. Its one of the few cities in the world that is more tacky/trashy than GC

[Dimethyltryptamine]

The Gold Coast as a whole (even most of Surfers Paradise now) really isn't that tacky. Anyone who has traveled could tell you that.

Anyway, I believe this (see 'Vegas in Paradise') is the 'Vegas themed' part he is talking about. It bears little resemblance to anything in Las Vegas though.

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cform/4...n/photostream/

'Vegas in Paradise' ... not only is that tacky, it's also little more than a pathetic attempt to draw bogans in. If I was given the option to remove one building from Surfers Paradise, The Islander and surroundings would definitely be first.

[Fabian]

I like the fact the Gold Coast is marketing itself as a classier destination, and you can see it when you visit. It is just part of it's evolution as a city.

[ginko]

Needs to be demolished and totally redone, like they do in vegas.