Spit Master Plan: Developer Tim Gordon warns there is ‘no visibility’ around future of development sites

A key developer has blasted the progress of The Spit Master Plan rollout, saying there is ‘no visibility’ around the future of the precinct and the fate of ‘catalyst sites’. FIND OUT WHY

A key developer has blasted the slow progress of The Spit Master Plan rollout, saying it was “stagnant” and it will be years before more is fully realised.

Tim Gordon is the sole developer whose Spit project was approved in the past three years to have broken ground, with a further $900m of buildings greenlit.

With the state government moving too fast-track the redevelopment of Carter’s Basin, Mr Gordon, whose $300m Mantaray project is rapidly rising from the ground in partnership with fellow developer Bruce Mathieson, took aim at the former government’s glacial approach to the area and urged the Crisafulli government to go full steam ahead to get other mooted projects built.

Developer Tim Gordon and Pub baron Bruce Mathieson. Picture: Supplied

“The amenities north of Sea World are wonderful improvements, but the rest just isn’t happening quickly enough,” he said.

“Catalyst sites have become stagnant, and there is no visibility on when progress will be made.

“It’s a major concern that some tendered sites have yet to reach DA lodgement, delaying the precinct’s vision.

“It’s sad for The Spit, but we are proof it can be overcome.

“The key is for the right people with the financial capacity, experience, and build capability to get these projects out of the ground.”

Aerial View of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Among the sites with an uncertain future is that of the former Golden Door, which was once home to the Gold Coast’s most prominent gym.

It is the Spit’s last designated beachfront development site and is planned to become a new resort.

Under the Spit Master Plan, the Golden Door site will become ‘Village East Resort’.

“The master plan reimagines this site as a resort-style complex with a public plaza flowing from SeaWorld Drive to the ocean and the public carpark moving south into Hollingdale Park,” then-Deputy Premier Steven Miles said in late 2021 when expressions of interest were launched for the site.

The former Golden Door site is earmarked for The Spit Village East Resort Photo: Supplied

However there has been no movement on the project since, with Gordon Corp currently leasing the building as a sales suite.

Tenders also went out the Village Gateway site currently occupied by the Water Police complex in 2023.

No results were ever announced.

The Village Gateway site is expected to become home to “a mixed-use development”.

Any project on both sites will be years away, given there are no proponents and the length of time required to assess a development application and secure a builder.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie Picture: Supplied. Picture: Supplied

Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli government was “open for business” and keen to deliver on the redevelopment of The Spit.

“In partnership with the City of Gold Coast and the private sector, we will ensure The Spit Masterplan is delivered,” he said.

“That new partnership means we are always open to feedback and unlocking job-creating investment sooner.

“Labor’s seven years of delays and indecisions over The Spit has created community uncertainty, cost jobs and impacted investment confidence in Queensland.

“The LNP government is clear that Queensland is now open for business.”

The former government approved the Master Plan in 2019 and primarily focused its efforts on improving the northern sections of the peninsula, particularly Doug Jennings Park, and the Seaway Wall.

However little has changed in the south.

The Spit redevelopment going ahead. Construction of the Mantaray. Pictures Glenn Hampson

The state government announced earlier this month it was moving ahead on a “world-class” revamp of the Carter’s Basin area south of Sea World.

It has picked three bidders to proceed to the detailed design phase of the precinct.

They will have just three months to complete their proposal.

Mr Gordon said the announcement was “refreshing” but warned more needed to be done to ensure the rest of the developments proceeded.

“We’re real, we’re building a $400 million development with Multiplex, and we’re tracking ahead of schedule (while) others are falling years behind.

“It’s refreshing to see the State Government announce they are taking a new course of action with The Spit Master Plan.

“It is certainly encouraging that the Premier, Deputy Premier and the Member for Surfers Paradise, John-Paul Langbroek, are proactive and supportive of The Spit redevelopment.”

Meanwhile, Giannarelli and Pelligra groups, developers of the $480m Ritz Carlton project on the Mariner’s Cove, say their development is on track to break ground this year.

It was approved in mid-2023 and Giannarelli Group director Dion Giannarelli said construction would begin in the second half of the year with an opening date earmarked for 2028.

Makris Group, which owns Marina Mirage, also confirmed last week it was moving ahead with its redevelopment of the shopping centre to become a hotel.

Makris Group boss Jason Makris said “advanced design work” was underway.

“The Marina Mirage project is advancing well,” he said. “We are currently focusing on detailed design work with Marriott to ensure our design aligns with their world-class ‘The Luxury Collection’ hotel standards.

“We anticipate releasing our first collection of Marina Mirage Residences by invitation in the forthcoming months.”