The future of one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-known waterfront venues has been revealed following its sudden closure, with new operators announcing a redevelopment, a fresh identity and plans to reopen the site.
The former Pier 33 Mooloolaba venue will reopen as Marina Mooloolaba, with operators preparing to transform the site ahead of a soft restaurant opening on Saturday and a full opening on October 1.
The change comes after Pier 33 Mooloolaba leaseholders stepped away from the business, with former director Clayton Williams attributing the decision to failed lease negotiations with the venue’s landlord, the Mooloolaba Marina.
The new operators have retained much of the existing team, with co-owner Craig Dangar praising staff for their commitment during the transition.
“We’re really lucky that we’ve got a really strong team,” he said.
“As an employer, I’m over the moon with the retention of staff we have, but also just that they give a lot.
“They’re heavily invested in the success of the venue, which is showing in their interaction with patrons.”
Mr Dangar said the venue had undergone redevelopment works, including upgrades to the kitchen and bar.
“It’s a re-imagination of the original yacht club pre-Pier 33 days, with a bigger emphasis on the food,” he said.
“It’s such a big venue that we can be a lot of things to everyone.”
The upstairs area is also set to become a greater focus, with plans to improve accessibility and create a separate space for live music.
“Upstairs hasn’t been utilised well, and it’s been due to accessibility,” Mr Dangar said.
“We’re hopefully putting in a bit of a noise-proofing fence for upstairs, and we’ve got quotes on the lift going in.
“The idea is to be able to use upstairs, where an older crowd will be able to go upstairs. Ideally that’s where you have the live music, and then downstairs would be the younger crowd.”
Mr Dangar said the venue’s focus would also include becoming part of the wider Mooloolaba Marina community.
“We’re one of about 200 groups who use the marina. We’re only one of them. So, it’s about finding that balance between being part of that community,” he said.
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The venue’s first events are already underway, with tickets on sale for a Sunset Rooftop Party at Marina Mooloolaba on Friday, August 7, from 2pm to 8pm.
The event will feature six Sunshine Coast DJs playing groove, disco, house and tech music.
“It’s a continuation of what the previous operators were doing in terms of social events,” Mr Dangar said.
“The Melbourne Cup in November will be a really large opening day for us. That’ll be the real test of everything.”
