First look inside $500m Marina Mirage as luxury units hit market for $6.45m

Demolition of the 1980s-era shopping centre has begun, with Makris Group talking up the project’s impact on the Gold Coast’s economy.

Makris Group chief executive Jason Makris said the development would deliver more than $865m into the economy during construction, creating around 2500 jobs, along with $120m each year once completed in 2029.

“This is a generational investment in one of Queensland’s most significant waterfront sites,” he said.

“We are delivering a precinct that integrates hospitality, marina infrastructure, luxury living and wellness in a way that strengthens the Gold Coast’s international competitiveness.

“With strong fundamentals in tourism, migration and major event infrastructure, we see this as a defining project for the city’s next decade of growth.”

The company has revealed new details of the development, including that it will comprise seven buildings built around a central plaza rather than a single complex.

Architect Fraser + Partners is designing the project after winning an international design competition, while Fiona Lynch has designed the interior and Aspect Studios will do the site landscaping.

Makris Group founder Con Makris said the old shopping centre’s giant sails would be “reinterpreted” at the new complex.

“The Gold Coast has evolved into an international destination, and Marina Mirage reflects that status,” he said.

“Our dream has always been to create a precinct of global calibre that is uniquely Australian.”

Artist impression of the redevelopment of Marina Mirage. Picture: Supplied

Under the developer’s plans, it will have:

• A 126-room five-star hotel branded under The Luxury Collection by Marriott International.
• 38 residential units.
• Seven chef-led restaurants.
• Eight retail boutiques.
• 1000sqm of events space and a 2000sqm wellness hub.

More than $2bn worth of projects are now in the pipeline for The Spit, including two recently green-lit by the state government, with the aim of transforming the area into the city’s “jewel in the crown”.

This year is set to be a game changer for the area with progress on a raft of new projects including the $400m Mantaray development, which is tipped to open mid-year.

Construction is also expected to begin on at least three other projects:

• The revamp of Peter’s Fish Market at Carter’s Basin.
• Ignite Projects $100m residential development.
• The next stage of Mariner’s Cove, which is set to become a Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

The state government also recently put the 3.5ha site Village Centre North site, which sits just south of Sea World, on the market.