The 4217

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Posted 2015-04-07 by Sarah Says ⇒ follow

Well of course most will know it as the postcode for Surfers Paradise and the surrounding area, however soon will be known as a modern market place which showcases the best in local food, creativity, coffee, art, lifestyle and dining. I visited recently and thought it was a fresh, stylish and brilliant new use of an old space, that had become redundant.

Originally the building was the old transit centre - where the buses and coaches still go, and what used to have the big wheel on top. Now it has been completed reinvented, redeveloped and rebranded to be a "modern day urban village" where local talent and trade work hand-in-hand and bring together a community of food, coffee, art and dining lovers.

A fantastic idea, which in my opinion has a hint of Melbourne about it, I love seeing this kind of place in Surfers Paradise - my least favourite part of the Gold Coast - as it feels like a breath of fresh air and a step in the right direction. I am also slightly jealous that I'm not involved in the marketing of it.

The space is still in its early days and has some more units to fill but from what I could see so far it is an impressive indoor village-style precinct which is already home to some impressive providores. Right now you can find there; Paradox Coffee Roasters, Brooklyn Depot burger restaurant, Snap Health and Fitness, Cha speciality tea house, My Sushi Rolls takeaway, luxury home-ware store Beautiful Spaces plus an artisan bakery and gourmet deli. Plus lots of seating, both indoors and outside on the decking area.

I'd driven and walked past a number of times and had always wondered what it was going to be, the signage simply saying coming soon. Intriguing, so we went last Monday and walking in I was pretty impressed, and although it was quiet inside it was certainly buzzing in the outdoor area. The decor was fresh and modern although not over the top - I loved the plants, exposed machinery and artwork. It had a nice feel to it, and I could absolutely see that in a few months when all units are in place, it will be quite the social hub.

We stopped for coffee at Paradox Coffee Roasters which was great, mocha and muffin was $10 so about the standard price for the Gold Coast. What I loved though was the brilliant idea of The Play Pen - a secure play area with toys, games and huge chalk wall for kids to be entertained whilst parents have a well earned break. My daughter loved it and again it was another example of an inventive use of space.

Located next to Bruce Bishop car park on Beach Road, it is open from 7am to 6pm Monday to Sunday - definitely worth a visit. Surfers Paradise is very well-connected with loads of buses, trams and places to park. I will be heading back to try the burger place very soon, as it looked really good.

It is much more though behind the scenes - not just a contemporary market place for food, coffee, events and social gatherings. It also has a soul and sense of responsibility too. It showcases the creative talents of Australian artists such as Beastman, Numskull and Jae Copp and Fuzeillear, bringing unique large scale art pieces direct to the public - supporting the arts and nurturing local talent.

Not only that but each providore based at has committed to work closely with OzHarvest - "the first perishable food rescue organisation in Australia collecting quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it, direct and free of charge to charities." A really worthwhile and and noble concept.