Mariner’s Cove: Sunland’s controversial proposal for a $600m twin tower which was unveiled in 2015

A prominent Gold Coast developer unveiled grand plans for twin towers on the Spit, sparking a massive protest movement which changed the area’s future.

There have been plenty of controversial developments proposed for The Spit in the past 40 years.

From a golf course to cruise ship terminals and an integrated resort, there’s never been a shortage of ideas which had locals seeing red over the possible impacts on the area.

This week marks 10 years since one of the most controversial and consequential projects was unveiled for The Spit.

Sunland Group had long-owned the Mariner’s Cove site and rumours of a major project being planned for the key location had been circulating for months.

A concept image on the Sunland Group's proposed $600 million Mariner’s Cove development.

In early June 2015, the project was unveiled – a $600m, twin tower development which had been designed by famed architect Dame Zaha Hadid.

The 44-storey towers would have had 370 units and a 69-room boutique hotel, as well as a cultural precinct, aquarium and retail precinct.

It was anticipated at the time that it would create 1652 jobs during the redevelopment of the Spit site, with a further 1019 permanent positions once it opened.

Sunland co-founder Soheil Abedian told the Bulletin at the time the project would transform the site.

“Mariner’s Cove is an exceptional site worthy of monumental architecture,” he said.

“This proposal has the capacity to enable the Gold Coast to further define its cultural identity, not only through defining architecture but also through the enhancement of the cultural aspects it will provide to the city.”

Soheil Abedian Picture: David Clark

However the project immediately attracted controversy, particularly around its height, far above the three-storey limit which had long been established.

Councillors were divided over the concept, with Paul Taylor speaking in favour.

“I think it looks fabulous and personally I would back it all the way because it would be an icon and landmark for the city,” he said.

“There is a concern about the height of the towers and how this will work out but when I spoke to Soheil, he said ‘I am 66 years old and want to create something like the Sydney Opera House or Eiffel Tower’.

“We will give it full consideration when it goes before the committee but it has my vote.”

However, many opposed the project, including Sea World, which lodged a submission against it, arguing it would create “extreme” traffic congestion.

Artist Impressions of Mariner's Cove by Sunland: Pictures supplied by Gold Coast City Council

A vote on the project was pushed until after the 2016 council election, sparking fury from locals including Main Beach Association spokeswoman Sue Donovan.

“The strong word is that any decision will be delayed until after the election which is a worry because a lot of retiring councillors are opposed to the development and we don’t know who will replace them,” she said at the time.

“It is possible the new council could be more pro-development than the existing council.”

The project was finally set to be voted on in September 2016 but Sunland moved to withdraw it from consideration once it became clear that it did not have the support of a majority of city leaders.

Councillors delayed their decision for a year to make way for a master plan process.

“We feel it’s important that the master planning process is unencumbered, without any perceived time pressures from existing development applications,” Mr Abedian said.

“For this reason we are withdrawing our application for The Mariner until such time a master plan precinct can be agreed on.”

Sunland held the site for many years but eventually sold the location in 2020.

It is now approved for a Ritz Carlton Hotel which is yet to break ground.