The Boat Works marina set to undergo massive $100m development bringing 2000 jobs

AN extra 2000 jobs are set to be created in a time of limbo for many Gold Coast tradies thanks to a $100 million development.

A GOLD Coast shipyard is to undergo a $100 million transformation, turning it into the Marina Mirage of the city’s northern corridor and creating 2000 jobs.

The Boat Works marina, which markets itself as “Australia’s greatest boatyard”, will almost double in size under a vision that is understood to be led by its owner Tony Longhurst.

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Artist’s impression of new boatyard development. Supplied images.

A major announcement at the Coomera marine precinct shipyard this morning will unveil full details and designs but the Bulletin can reveal:

— private investment in the magnitude of $100m;

— a near doubling in size of The Boat Works’ existing 23ha shipyard and marina to 43ha;

— 2000 additional jobs to complete the project and to operate new businesses attracted to the enlarged precinct;

— creation of a new dining and shopping precinct on the edge of the Coomera River to rival Marina Mirage at Main Beach.

The plan and its promise of thousands of new jobs is welcome news for the city at a time when the Jewel towers development upheaval has left 900 tradies’ jobs in limbo.

A source close to the project said it would be set up to attract boutique retail and top restaurants, as well as create more space for berthing and businesses offering refits and repairs.

The Boat Works owner Tony Longhurst.

Mr Longhurst declined to comment, saying all would be revealed today.

But the source said: “They are going to get over 100 more businesses in there and hundreds more boats.

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“The Boat Works is going to be doubling its footprint. It will create the Marina Mirage of the northern side of the city, with boutiques, retail and restaurants.”

The revamped marina would not just be a hub for boaties but also locals to visit.

But a key aim of the expansion is believed to be about attracting bigger luxury boats to the precinct, capitalising on earmarked dredging of the Coomera River.

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Mr Longhurst, a two-time Bathhurst motor racing champion, is the son of John Longhurst, the entrepreneur who created the Dreamworld theme park now owned by Ardent Leisure.

His brother Rodney Longhurst owns luxury boat building giant Riviera.

Tony Longhurst has always had major ambitions for The Boat Works since focusing on its development five years ago.

Back in mid-2015, two years after taking over, he told the Bulletin: “We’ve set some realistic goals, the whole business is very goal orientated as far as numbers and bonuses. We have made it a real team effort.

“We have all the different areas really motivated to get results — actually it is very much like it was when I was car racing.”