Exclusive: Best Gold Coast beachfront site up for sale as international resort planned at The Spit

The Spit’s last beachfront development site has hit the market, in a move which will spark international investor interest and lead to the Gold Coast gaining a new tourist resort.

THE Spit’s last beachfront development site is up for grabs, in a move which will spark international investor interest and lead to the Gold Coast gaining a new tourist resort.

The Bulletin can reveal the Palaszczuk Government on Thursday will announce what it is billing as a “golden opportunity to develop the last beachfront site” at the Coast’s central park which it sees as boosting Queensland’s economic recovery.

A golden opportunity to develop the last beachfront site on The Spit is expected to draw international interest from development companies, and form part of Queensland’s economic recovery. Photo: Supplied

Aerial photographs show a large site where the tennis courts are located south of Sheraton Mirage in The Spit’s commercial zone. The area is destined to host the Coast’s next big resort.

Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said expressions of interest opened on Thursday on a site with 52 metres of prime beach frontage.

“To maintain a strong pipeline of jobs and investment on The Spit, the 1.62-hectare site south of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is being released to the market via a competitive bid process,” Mr Miles said.

“Proposals to match the high-quality precinct envisioned in The Spit Master Plan will be eagerly anticipated and boost Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“The (Spit) 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.

“Offered on a long-term lease, its location suits a variety of proposals including mixed-use tourism, hospitality and short-stay accommodation.”

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said it was expected to attract a significant amount of interest.

“The competitive process will ensure we get the best possible development proposed,” Ms Scanlon said.

“A through process will be followed to ensure the proposed project is appropriate for the site, creates jobs and respects the natural values of the area.”

“A campaign calling for expressions of interest will be led by CBRE Gold Coast targeting experienced investors with the credentials to deliver a proposal that will add to The Spit’s iconic allure.”

Deputy premier Steven Miles in Queensland State parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

CBRE Hotels National Director Wayne Bunz said investors were very keen to “follow the sun” and invest in Queensland because NSW and Victoria continue to be under pressure from COVID lockdowns.

“This site will be highly sought after as, in our opinion, it is the best beachfront resort accommodation site that has come to the market in the past two decades,” Mr Bunz said.

Expressions of Interest are open on the QTenders website until 4pm, October 20.

Mr Miles said all proposals must need to adhere to The Spit’s planning regulations.

“The regulations ensure all new developments integrate seamlessly with the landscape and respects The Spit’s much-loved natural values,” he said.

“The implementation of The Spit Master Plan is well underway with a raft of projects, including community infrastructure, already delivered or in progress, supporting hundreds of jobs.

“The scope of projects across the different precincts on The Spit offer something for locals and visitors alike whether these be deep-water marina berths, picnic and recreational facilities, residential and tourist accommodation, or the Oceanway walkway.

“Through the implementation of the master plan, we’re delivering something really special that will confirm The Spit as one of the glittering jewels in Gold Coast’s crown.”

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