Luxury Broadwater hotel and marina sparks community concerns

New plans reveal key details of a luxury resort that’s sparking community concerns around congestion. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

New plans for the city’s latest luxury resort at Mariner’s Cove have revealed key components of the project, which will spark community concerns about its impact on the congested Broadwater.

Mayor Tom Tate and councillors have been alerted to a development application for a $480m hotel and entertainment precinct where the three-storey height meets the Spit Master Plan.

Plans for redevelopment of Mariner's Cove at The Spit on the Gold Coast.

Councillors were told that officers from a major assessment team would assess plans which:

* show a 150 unit resort with 67 marina berths – slightly more than those existing now – a tavern, function facility, boardwalk and amphitheatre.

* require approval for a development permit for tidal works so the marina can be redeveloped.

* allow for the existing Fisherman’s Wharf building to be redesigned for more food and drink outlets, next to a boardwalk setting for an “active dining setting” on the Broadwater.

Architects in plans to council said the redevelopment concept of Mariner’s Cove would “unlock the future of The Spit Master Plan” by creating a new pedestrianised movement network.

Site plans for Mariner's Cove on The Spit at the Gold Coast.

“We recognise the responsibility of this site and propose a design solution where the outcome responds to the historical natural context of place and positions Mariner’s Cove as the thriving public heart beat of The Broadwater’s future,” consultants wrote.

But the Main Beach Association (MBA) is closely monitoring the application, with concerns about more potential loss of the Broadwater given the recent development of the neighbouring superyacht marina.

It follows Save Our Broadwater’s opposition to any reclamation of the Broadwater after details were released of a $30m-plus upgrade to Labrador’s Len Fox Park.

MBA leader Sue Donovan told the Bulletin: “Having been strongly opposed to the proposed Sunland towers on this (Mariner’s Cove) site, The Main Beach Association will be following progress of the Mariner’s Cove development application with great interest.

“Of course it is early days, but we are keen to see council planners’ Request for Information as that will make very clear their issues of concern, especially traffic and parking.

“While we welcome any three-storey development that enhances the experience of both locals and visitors, we are opposed to any further encroachment into the Broadwater. We also worry about the future of the various small marine-based businesses that currently operate out of Mariner’s Cove.”

Marine and environmental consultants said the redevelopment was within the Mariner’s Cove seabed lease area at the mouth of the Nerang River and would include the reconfiguration and expansion of the marina.

Public open space created for new Mariner's Cove development at The Spit on the Gold Coast.

“These redevelopment components will require the removal of marine plants,” consultants wrote.

But they added that “no reclamation or dredging of the seabed lease is proposed”.

“It is proposed to specifically revitalise and reactivate the water’s edge and provide integrated linkages and connections throughout the redevelopment site and to the developments north and south of the site,” consultants said.

New public facilities include a boardwalk and a marina amphitheatre.

New plans for a hotel development at Mariner's Cove at The Spit on the Gold Coast.

“It is proposed to reconstruct the existing Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern and maintain the existing approved use albeit within a slightly smaller footprint,” consultants said.

A pier building to the west of the boardwalk is to provide “an exciting bar and or dining experience over the water”.

“The building structure will be reconstructed on new piles with a fixed jetty and walkway structure connected to the public boardwalk,” consultants wrote.

Transient berths are proposed adjoining the tavern building allowing customers to arrive by the water.

“The proposed marina will accommodate 67 berths in total. Five berths are in the extended seabed lease area with the remaining berths contained within the existing seabed lease. It is proposed to remove all the existing piles and walkways of the existing marina,” consultants wrote.

New plans showing a boardwalk and hotel as part of the Mariner's Cove redevelopment on The Spit at the Gold Coast.

“The existing jetty along the northern boundary of the seabed lease will be retained. No dredging is proposed as part of the marina reconfiguration. The proposed operation and maintenance of Mariner’s Cove redevelopment will not result in additional impacts to existing fish habitats.”

Surveying using an underwater drone and divers had found no seagrass. Four different fish habitats were located but considered of “low importance”

“The redevelopment of Mariner’s Cove will result in the removal and replacement of all piles and floating structures (covering about 30sqm),” consultants wrote.

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