Southport encompasses a vibrant mix of retail, commercial, education, community, recreation, professional, financial, legal and medical services.

Light rail in the Southport precinct

The light rail system in Southport includes the new light rail depot near Olympic Circuit and the new viaduct (a bridge) over Smith Street. After crossing Smith Street the light rail will pass the new depot site, cross Wardoo Street and travel down Queen Street towards the heart of the Southport CBD.

The light rail will turn left off Queen Street into Nerang Street, where it will pass the current hospital site and in to the retail shopping area. There will be a new station and pedestrian area in Nerang Street between Davenport and Scarborough Streets.

The light rail will then turn right into Scarborough Street to travel through the heart of the Southport retail and commercial centre before turning left onto Queen Street again. There will be new stations in Scarborough Street near Queen Street and in Ada Bell Way near the Croquet Club.

From there, the light rail will head towards the Nerang River. The system will then cross the Nerang River over a new bridge on the western side of the existing bridge and head towards Surfers Paradise precinct. A new pedestrian bridge will also be built, on the eastern side of the existing bridge.

There are five light rail stations planned for the Southport precinct: Queen Street Station, Gold Coast Hospital Station, Southport Station, Southport South Station and Broadwater Parklands Station.

Construction works

Construction, involving underground public utility provider service relocation works (such as gas, water and telecommunications), the laying of the track and building of the stations will start in 2012. More information on construction timing and activities will be provided as it comes available.

Parking - Changes to access and parking in Nerang Street near the Gold Coast Hospital - November 2012

From Sunday 18 November 2012 there will no longer be any on street parking outside the hospital in Nerang Street. Work is underway to prepare for the installation of the tracks for Queensland’s first light rail system.

Access has changed

The light rail track alignment means that there is no ability for traffic to turn across Nerang Street. Motorists should be aware of the side of the road that they need to be on and of the direction that they approach the hospital. Motorists should consider approaching from Queen Street to access facilities on the northern side of Nerang Street or from High Street to access facilities on the southern side of Nerang Street, including the Gold Coast Hospital set-down area.

Parking opportunities

Parking opportunities are detailed here. This includes 2 Hour (2P) parking on street as marked and 3 Hour (3P) parking at Athol Paterson car park just over High Street, entry from Suter and Lawson Streets.