REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Thursday, August 19, 2004

ONE of the Gold Coast’s landmarks, Marina Mirage was set to be demolished and turned into a massive new hotel and shopping centre under plans being drawn up by prospective buyers.

High-profile architect Desmond Brooks was understood to be working on a series of new designs for two of the four companies bidding for the Sheraton Mirage property portfolio.

The sale included not only the 292-room Sheraton Hotel but the Marina Mirage retail precinct and the marine operation, all based on one of the city’s most sought-after addresses, The Spit.

The 300-room Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas was also included in the sell-off.

The Gold Coast Marina Mirage hosted a bevy of the city’s top restaurants and fashion houses.

Interest in the properties, established in the early 1980s by the late Christopher Skase, had skyrocketed since it emerged that the Gold Coast was set to secure a cruise ship terminal.

DBI Design spokesman Warren Coyle said some ‘rough ideas’ were being worked together for two prospective buyers.

Investors said the properties in their current shape were ‘dated’ and little has been spent on them in 20 years, meaning clearing the site and starting again may the best option for obtaining the most value.

The precinct was zoned tourist facilities by the council, so it could be used for hoteltype development.

The plans never went ahead and both remain standing today.