The Jazzland Dancehall was the premier social hotspot of early twentieth century Coolangatta and indeed the Gold Coast. Opened on the 21st of December 1939, the inaugural celebrations were overseen by Mayor Bill Winders and drew a large attendance. It was said that such a ‘modern structure’ would be a ‘decided acquisition to the town’, with guests being ‘amply catered for’ and local bodies being able to ‘hold annual balls and other entertainments in comfort’. During World War 2, American servicemen on leave in Coolangatta would frequent Jazzland and introduce locals to their culture and dance styles, which saw the town attain a unique identity. Following a major revitalization in 1942, the dancehall was sold by the previous owner, Mr. R Sutton, to a chain store in October 1951 after the local council had failed to purchase it. Consequently, the site was made open to a complete renovation that is planned to go ahead in the next year that will transform it into an apartment building. It has been alleged that the building will remain on its allotment, 31 McLean Street, and that it will incorporate the original timber dance floor in every room, but will require the demolition of the existing building as well as the loss of the family antique business that is currently situated there.
