Coast’s yacht talent
Coomera innovation hub to help tomorrow’s stars
THE Gold Coast’s biggest shipyard plans to shake up the marine sector by building a $5 million world-class innovation hub to grow “future stars”.
Coomera-based Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard aims to enhance the city’s reputation as the country’s marine capital with the new 865 square metre, multi-storey waterfront facility.
The site, which already has development approval, will house start-ups and industry innovators.
Most of the hub’s construction will occur off site in the next 12 months so it doesn’t interrupt marina operations.
A month-long installation phase is scheduled during August and September next year.
City Marina CEO Trenton Gay said the marina’s existing 17-hectare refit and repair facility was full with new firms and operators already negotiating to occupy a “significant amount” of the spaces at the new innovation hub.
That included the “next generation” of yacht designers, and boat brokerages.
“We are holding space specifically for the innovators.
“Major international brands also want to be in that location,” Mr Gay said.
“The Marine Innovation Hub is about growing the future stars of the Australian marine industry.
“We are looking for the right mix of specialist brokerages and management along with newcomers who we think have what it takes to make it to the top of their game.
“We want bold ideas here at Gold Coast City Marina alongside world-class craftsmen and professionals,” Mr Gay said.
“It gives the next generation the opportunity to collaborate and learn from forefathers of the industry while taking us forward.”
Mr Gay said an emphasis of the hub would be to challenge industry norms and disrupt traditional techniques for ser- vicing of boats and yachts.
“It aims to produce worldleading outcomes that benefit the boat and yacht owner, develop skills, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the local community.”
On top of the innovation hub, Mr Gay revealed City Marina was also working on expanding on to an adjacent 20hectare site on Beattie Road.
City Marina is the largest facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has also been pushing the Gold Coast internationally as a destination for lucrative Super Yacht visits.
Mr Gay was also instrumental in the on-water Customs facility being trialled near Southport Yacht Club.
Federal Fadden MP Stuart Robert said the marina’s new hub was a ground-breaking investment and innovation was key to Australia’s future economic growth.