Plans for marina to be finetuned
Port project goes back to drawing board
THE developers of a $200 million new marina at Port Douglas are going back to the drawing board.
Crystalbrook Collection has withdrawn a development application for the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
The company says it will “further refine the masterplan” for the project and remained committed to the marina “revitalisation”.
A feasibility study is expected to be completed in 18 months.
CRYSTALBROOK Collection has withdrawn the development application for its $200 million-plus Port Douglas marina redevelopment.
The company says it will “further refine the masterplan” which currently includes a 130room hotel, 45 villas, nine luxury apartments and extensive waterfront dining and retail precincts.
“Crystalbrook Collection remains fully committed to the revitalisation and will work with key partners over the coming months to revisit the enhanced marina experience,” a company spokeswoman said.
“We anticipate it will be business as usual for the next 18 months at the marina as feasibility studies are undertaken.”
Douglas Shire Council issued an information request to the developer in late January, raising a number of concerns with the original scheme.
It sought clarification on issues with pedestrian access, project staging and the potential for its design clashing with the town’s existing tropical architectural style.
It also sought advice on how existing tourism operators based at the marina would be able to operate during and after construction without undue disruption.
Mayor Julia Leu said she was confident the important project would still go ahead.
She said the plans rethink was not a blow to the economy.
“This is a forward-thinking opportunity to revisit and refine a landmark development that has the ability to revitalise Port Douglas,” she said.
“I have spoken to the applicants and I am encouraged by their firm commitment to the marina precinct.
“Port Douglas is a thriving, internationally-renowned tourist destination that can benefit from a thoroughly planned investment like this.”
Cr Leu looked forward to seeing how Crystalbrook would “inject tropical character” into the project.
“The applicants advised me they made this decision after consulting tourist operators, marina tenants and industry experts,” she said.
“I am extremely confident and Crystalbrook Collection has shown a huge commitment to Far North Queensland.”
Melbourne based architect firm SJB had been contracted to create the original design.
Crystalbrook has now appointed Prime Construction project director Simon Vinnicombe to take over as development manager.
The company, owned by Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud, already has three hotel developments worth a collective $370 million under way in the Cairns CBD.