Hospitality head Ben May’s surprising Gold Coast island investment with a controversial past revealed

The man behind Burleigh Pavilion is taking on a new hospitality venture - one with a contentious past.

THE man behind one of the Gold Coast’s most popular venues is taking on a new hospitality venture which has had a contentious past at South Stradbroke Island.

Sydney publican Ben May, a co-owner of Burleigh Pavilion, has teamed up with family members and other stakeholders to buy the McLarens Landing leasehold on South Stradbroke Island.

The group paid $825,000 via a $1 holding company for the leases to the purpose-built eco-tourism facility and popular corporate party spot.

The Commonwealth Bank appointed receivers to sell the leasehold of McLarens Landing in November last year after its former director Jason Nicholls became embroiled in alleged charges of fraud.

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Mclarens Landing.

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It’s alleged Nicholls used thousands of dollars from Christmas party deposits to fund a gambling habit or to give to his partner.

He is alleged to have left dozens of partygoers stranded when their Christmas parties did not go ahead at the end of 2018.

Mr Nicholls is expected to stand trial later this year.

The leases to McLarens Landing were sold via HTL Property’s Brent McCarthy and Glenn Price, which are offered on a rolling term basis until 2040.

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Burleigh Pavilion owner, Ben May. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“The total land area of the asset sold accommodates 11,782sq m including two seabed leases on South Stradbroke Island, which is an 1800ha conservation park and features 22km of pristine white surf beach,” Mr Price said.

The facility is described as having a “prime waterfront location”, about 20km from Southport Marina and accessible via water craft.

Mr May was contacted for comment however did not respond to the Bulletin.