Duelling Gold Coast casino operators ASF and Star unveil rival beach club plans for The Spit

FROM nightclubs to beach clubs — the Gold Coast is set to get two high-end European-style beach clubs which would be in competition just metres from each other.

ASF’S proposed “world-class” international beach club.

RIVAL entertainment groups ASF and Star are planning European-style beach clubs on The Spit.

ASF Consortium has ­unveiled plans for a three-level venue featuring dining, pools and views of the Broadwater as part of its proposed $3 billion, 5ha integrated ­resort and casino.

Following hot on its heels is casino operator Star Entertainment Group which hopes to create its own beach club at the Sheraton Mirage.

Star is planning its own beach club for the Sheraton Mirage Photo: David Clark

REVEALED: ASF’S TRAFFIC SPIT PLAN

ASF say the 6000 sq m project would be the state’s first “international” beach club, could host functions and events for more than 3000 guests and would feature a variety of restaurants and cafes.

It would have a rooftop lounge and nightclub and an outdoor pool and beach area with a mix of family-friendly areas and VIP cabanas and lounges.

The beach club would be part of the ASF integrated resort.

SPIT FUTURE DECISION BY MIDYEAR

ASF is negotiating with a major international beach club brand to run and operate the attraction.

“International beach club brands like Nikki Beach, Ku De Ta, Blue Marlin and Purobeach know how to successfully deliver and manage world-class destinations that draw signature chefs, local and international DJs and musicians, while also staying true to the local culture and ambience of the location,” ASF development director Dean LaVigne said.

ASF is yet to gain a casino licence or State Government approval to develop public land south of Sea World but hopes the beach club would open by late 2021.

Dean LaVigne. Photo: David Clark

CROWN STILL AT THE TABLE ON ASF

Star already owns The Sheraton which it bought for $140 million last year and is working on its own plans for a beach club.

“The beach is under-utilised,” said Star CEO Matt Bekier.

“Being European, we look at this beach and go, ‘we fly ­­to the end of the world to come and see a beach like this ­but you can’t have a cup of coffee or a drink there … how are you going to enjoy it’?”

ASF’s proposed Gold Coast Integrated Resort.

ASF RESORT: TRAMS TIPPED TO SOLVE SPIT TRAFFIC WOES

Star plans to roll out its “beach activation” in two phases beginning with serving food and drinks on the beach in front of The Sheraton in time for the Commonwealth Games.

A view of the proposed Jubilee Bridge crossing the Broadwater.

But Mr Bekier has bigger plans and has engaged Gold Coast design firm DBI to prepare concepts with permanent infrastructure that stretches out to the beach.

Mr Bekier’s vision is for a St Tropez-style beach club that serves food and drinks, has deck chairs, towels and showers and becomes a party hotspot at night.

The pool, nightclub and bar.

ASF SPRUIKS NORTHERN NIGHT-LIFE PLAN

‘There’s a huge opportunity for us to showcase the beach to a global audience during the Commonwealth Games,” Mr Bekier said.

“The holy grail would be to get out on to the beach.

“I feel whatever we build has to be publicly accessible.

“Right now the resort only caters for guests, with the exception of the buffet. It doesn’t cater for the casual traffic that goes up The Spit.

Matt Bekier, CEO at The Star.

“Every time people are walking or bike riding, I want to capture them.”

But ASF and Star may face stiff opposition from the council.

Community services committee chair Cr Bob La Castra said the council had previously voted against commercialisation of beaches because ‘it was a crap idea’.

“No, just no,” he said.

“The reason we don’t want to be like Europe and Southeast Asia is we want people to enjoy the beach without being hassled.”

Cr Bob La Castra. Photo: Jerad Williams