$1.5 billion in development revival pipeline
AT least two more resortstyle projects are on the agenda for the southern Spit as the state government moves to ramp up its revival of the precinct.
Tenders are out for the Village Gateway site currently occupied by the Water Police complex and the Village East Resort, home to the former Golden Door gym, with decisions pending on both projects.
The State Development Department says the Village East site was “near completion” and the developer would be required to revamp it as a “resort-style complex with a public plaza flowing from SeaWorld Drive to the ocean and relocation of the public carpark south into Hollingdale Park”.
Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said nearly $1.5bn of investment had already been proposed for the area.
“The Spit is one of the pillars of Queensland’s great lifestyle and the Master Plan sets out the Palaszczuk Government’s vision for the perfect balance of tourism, recreation, environment and atmosphere,” he said.
“It’s one of the southeast’s most loved and visited public spaces, which is why we funded the SeaWorld Drive shared pathway, upgrades to Moondarewa Spit pedestrian path, cycleway and community facilities, an upgraded pathway on the Seaway Promenade, and construction of the Marine Stadium Jetty and Pontoon. Revitalising The Village Centre precinct is another opportunity to expand tourism on the Gold Coast, which we know means economic growth and more good jobs.”
The new sites come as two
other projects await approval from the Gold Coast City Council.
Makris Group in February lodged plans for a $500m plan to “reimagine” Marina Mirage, with the 1980s-era shopping centre set to be extended, with a range of new features including restaurants, retail and a wellness hub.
The project will go before the council’s planning committee later this year.
Closer to a decision is the $480m redevelopment of the Mariner’s Cove site.
Dion Giannarelli’s Melbourne-based Giannarelli Group, alongside joint venture partners Pelligra Group, want to build a three-storey precinct that will include a six-star branded Ritz-Carlton hotel, floating beach club, more than 5000sq m of restaurants and bars. and a “white glove” superyacht marina.
The 170-room hotel development is expected to feature berths for up to 67 superyachts, and passengers given access to Rolls Royce golf buggies to travel between vessels and the hotel. Its other features will include a 2000sq m rooftop event space, 900sq m ballroom and restaurants, as well as a 40m infinity pool.
It is expected to be completed by 2025, if approved this year.
Mr Giannarelli told the Bulletin his company would begin construction on the project within 90 days of council approving it.
“The Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast will be an iconic landmark not only for the Gold Coast, but for Australia’s hospitality sector, this will drive tourism back to The Spit as we are setting a new benchmark in luxury and providing a world class lifestyle precinct,” he said.
“There is no doubt in my mind The Spit will be come one of Gold Coast’s if not Australia’s most visited locations, with the vision of the Spit Masterplan and what Gordon Corp and Makris Group have proposed along with our development. The Spit will be the place to be.
“For both Pelligra Group and ourselves, we both realised the potential of the area due to how underdeveloped it currently is, we knew we could bring something very special to this location, which we have done exactly that, and not to mention there are very few properties in Australia like it and they just don’t come up everyday and when they do you have to grab them.”