Gold Coast development: $100m redevelopment of Mariner’s Cove into Ridong Plaza
A leading environmental group has lent its support to a proposed $100m redevelopment of Mariner’s Cove. But not everyone is convinced of what should happen. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Gold Coast
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A LEADING environmental group lent its support to a proposed $100m redevelopment of Mariner’s Cove – but Bulletin readers aren’t all as sure about the plans.
The Gecko Environment Council Association says Ridong Australia’s proposal to turn the 35-year-old shopping centre to become a high-end Chinese-themed seafood market, dining precinct and aquatic entertainment was “complex but could revitalise the area”.
Bulletin readers gave their thoughts, with JW writing: “Can The Spit go much lower. This has no chance of being a commercial success. How can council consider this standard of application and take it seriously?”
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Glenn added: “Terrible, this is sad.”
Finnola wrote: “How incredibly sad and depressing. So many talented and exciting food creators here who could make this an international success. Marketing wise it’s tragic..”
Ivan had some questions.
“Why do the artist impressions look like the exisiting buildings on the site? Where is the $100 million investment?”
READ ALL THE COMMENTS BELOW
Gecko founder Lois Levy said in a statement her group, which opposed Sunland’s proposed $600m twin-tower project for the same site, was open to seeing Ridong’s development proceed.
“Gecko will be closely examining this latest proposal for development of the Village area of The Spit,” she said.
“The Spit master plan development, in which Gecko participated, anticipated appropriate commercial development for the two Village areas on the western side of The Spit.
“This looks like a complex proposal, but could revitalise the area.”
Gecko, formerly known as the Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council, was founded in 1989 with a focus on sustainability and conservation and has played a key role in opposing some of the city’s most controversial projects, including a cruise ship terminal and integrated resort on The Spit.
Plans filed with council this week reveal the newly renamed Ridong Plaza will be split into eight precincts, including:
● High-end dining;
● An international barbecue area;
● A foods of the world zone;
● An “aquatic performance area” water theatre, complete with amphitheatre, special effects lighting and the ability to screen movies at night and host concerts;
● A revamp of the existing marina that will be dubbed a “yacht hotel”.
Ridong boss Riyu Li said he anticipated the development would help revitalise the city’s tourism industry.
“With high-end project positioning, the application of advanced management models and equipment, Ridong Plaza will attract a large amount of overseas investment and introduce the most advanced construction plans, operation models, and management skills to the Gold Coast,” he said.
“Ridong Plaza, with its multifunctional high-end positioning, will become the “check-in” destination for international tourists.
“It is an iconic destination which will become the new ‘business card’ for the city tourism market and will increase the awareness and reputation of the Gold Coast to the world.”
It will go before council’s planning committee this year.
$100m Chinese-themed shopping centre for Spit
MARINER’S Cove will become a high-end Chinese-themed seafood market, dining precinct and aquatic entertainment centre in a $100 million redevelopment.
Ridong Australia, the original developer behind the $1 billion Jewel towers, has unveiled multimillion-dollar plans for The Spit complex, inspired by the Sydney Fish Markets.
Plans filed with council this week reveal the newly-renamed Ridong Plaza will be split into eight precincts including:
* High-end dining;
* An international barbecue area;
* A foods of the world zone;
* An “aquatic performance area” water theatre, complete with amphitheatre, special effects lighting and the ability to screen movies at night and host concerts;
* A revamp of the existing marina which will be dubbed a “yacht hotel”;
Ridong boss Riyu Li said the project would provide a “diverse and very competitive seafood wholesale and retail market” which would “end the history for local people paying higher prices for sea food”.
“Ridong Plaza will provide the Gold Coast with a ‘one-stop shop’ aquatic entertainment centre, international catering services including Chinese, seafood and barbecue restaurant offerings while night lighting shows, markets and events will be the attractions for locals,” he said.
“The project will strongly promote the Gold Coast tourism industry and will attract domestic and international tourists to the Gold Coast, and assist in the local tourism recovery.
“The completion of Ridong Plaza will have an extended effect on the entire Spit area. Ridong Plaza will play an important role in the success of the Spit master plan and its ability to attract tourists.”
Under the State Government Spit Masterplan, released in 2019, Mariner’s Cove is part of Village Centre South, which is earmarked for a resort and hotel-style development.
There is a three-storey height limit.
Mariner’s Cove was built in 1986 as part of the redevelopment wave which hit The Spit in the 1980s, bringing with it Marina Mirage, the Sheraton Mirage and Fisherman’s Wharf.
However this was abandoned in the face of significant political and community opposition.
Ridong bought the lease from Sunland in July 2020 for more than $28 million.
The Ridong Plaza plans will go before council’s planning committee later this year.
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