Why grand $110m jetty plan will never happen: SA property tycoon Con Makris

AN Adelaide property tycoon says the grand, $110-million plan to revamp Glenelg Jetty — including building a boutique hotel at the end of it — will likely never happen. Here’s why.

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A $110 MILLION proposal for a new Glenelg jetty, featuring a hotel and ferry terminal, looks set to miss out on federal funding, with its proponents admitting they “missed the boat”.

And a multi-millionaire property investor who previously flagged starting a new ferry service between Glenelg and Kangaroo Island does not believe the latest grand vision will ever see the light of day.

Holdfast Bay Mayor Stephen Patterson and Jetty Road Mainstreet Committee chairman Mark Faulkner have been pushing for the $110 million project to get at least a $20 million promise from either major party ahead of Saturday’s poll.

They released a feasibility study and promotional video two weeks ago.

The state Liberals promised $20 million for the project in April.

It would also require significant private investment and includes a marine research centre, public baths and a ferry terminal.

Hindmarsh Liberal MP Matt Williams said the business case was “a step in the right direction for the project” but at presstime, said he would not commit to any funding ahead of the election.

“While the report does highlight some issues that are worth exploring further, I am keen to see this project progress and have sent the business case to the Minister for Tourism (Richard Colbeck) and the Prime Minister (Malcolm Turnbull)’s office,” Mr Williams said.

An artist's impression of a proposed Glenelg jetty redevelopment by design firm Mott MacDonald, including new hotel to be built overlooking the water.

Labor candidate Steve Georganas said he had tried to get in touch with the council about the proposal but his calls had not been returned.

“I need to see something concrete to see what it is, but I haven’t seen anything,” Mr Georganas said.

Property developer Con Makris, who owns the Marina Pier restaurant precinct, said it would be “fantastic” if the plan went ahead.

“But I don’t believe it’s going to happen because it’s a very difficult project,” Mr Makris said.

“It’s going to cost a lot of money and, unless the council puts in half the money, I can’t see investors investing in it.”

Mr Makris said he was not interesting in putting money into the project and was focused on his precinct at Holdfast Shores.

Con Makris likes the idea but doesn’t believe it will attract the investment needed. Picture: Luke Marsden

In 2013, Mr Makris proposed buying a $15 million purpose-built 400-seat ferry if the State Government spent $8 million on the Kingscote wharf and extended the breakwater at Holdfast Shores.

He dropped the plan in 2015 to focus on other interests.

Mr Faulkner, who came up with the jetty overhaul idea while running unsuccessfully for mayor in 2014, said it appeared he and the council had run out of time before the election.

“We always knew we were running just a little bit behind with the business plan, so we missed the boat a little bit, but we’ll keep pushing with it,” Mr Faulkner said.

“We won’t let it die in the water.”

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