Makris Group, which owns the centre, will begin “decommissioning” it from November onward, ahead of demolishing the complex on the verge of its 40th anniversary.

Traders have been given notice of the centre’s impending transformation into a Marriott-branded hotel, with several restaurants – Omeros, Glass and La Luna – and the marina continuing to trade during the initial stages of transformation.

The underground carpark will also remain open for a period.

Makris CEO Jason Makris said the new development would be completed by 2029.

He said the beginning of construction “marks a significant milestone for the project in the revitalisation of the Gold Coast’s most iconic waterfront destination, further elevating Marina Mirage’s position as a world-class destination for tourism, leisure, and lifestyle”.

“We are proud to play our part in delivering a nationally significant tourism asset that celebrates the quality of Australian living, while fostering our unique connection to the community and coastal environment,” he said.

“The development will attract a broad clientele of locals, domestic and international visitors, adding further dimension to the Gold Coast’s thriving cultural scene.”

The first stage of works will begin in November, with the construction phase tipped to create 2500 jobs and put $865m into the economy.

The new mixed-class precinct will feature a five-star The Luxury Collection by Marriott International, “premium retail and wellness offerings” and waterfront restaurants.

The revamped Marina Mirage complex will also retain the famous rooftop sails with 122 rooms in the hotel, plus residential units.

The Makris Group redevelopment of the Christopher Skase-built complex was initially greenlit by the council in 2023 with a signature restaurant, functions and events space, rooftop bar and beauty centre.

Fashion designer Sonia Stradiotto has traded from Marina Mirage for 22 years and, during her years as a model, did many photo shoots at the centre.

She said the coming months would be bittersweet before the transformation.

“Marina Mirage has been an iconic place which I have loved and traded from for 22 years and it holds a place in many people’s hearts because they have dated there, seen the big Christmas tree and have memories of holidays there,” she said.

“This is the last period of a great icon before we say goodbye to it and I have nothing but love, good memories and great reviews of being there, making the most of every adventure and chapter it has gone through as an ageing retail space.

“I honour them, love them and it has been my pleasure to be their resident designer.”

Milton Health Clubs, which operates a gym at the complex, wrote to its members earlier this week about the impact of the development on its services.

“We have received concrete information that Marina Mirage is nearing its demolition date which is now expected to occur in early 2026,” the message reads.

“As a result of the impending demolition, the centre will undergo substantial decommissioning which will unfortunately impact our facility from November onwards.

“We are currently in discussions with other parties in the immediate vicinity which will hopefully ensure that our facility can remain on Seaworld Drive rather than require a more significant relocation.

“We ask our members not to panic and rest assured that we will keep you updated regarding any future developments.”

‘GOLD COAST’S DOUBLE BAY’: MARINA MIRAGE’S INCREDIBLE STORY

Marina Mirage was once the Gold Coast’s most glamorous shopping location.

From high-end shopping boutiques to fine dining, it was the epitome of the excesses of the 1980s, for better and worse.

It was the vision of high-flying businessman Christopher Skase who was at the height of his fame.

Skase’s Qintex Group began buying up land on The Spit in 1985, securing the old Andalucia Park attraction with plans for a “top-class hotel”.

The following year, plans for the Sheraton Mirage were announced, with a twin project at Port Douglas in north Queensland.

Construction began soon after and in April 1986 plans were unveiled for Marina Mirage, a high-end shopping centre.

The initial plans called for a 150-berth marina, 8000sq m of retail space, room for 36 shops and restaurants.

But Skase’s plans drew criticism from environmentalists that the Spit was already being overdeveloped.

Father Ray Smith, speaking at a memorial that month to late MP Doug Jennings, said the projects “would be known as a monument to greed and arrogance”.

The shopping centre, which cost $60m to build, was earmarked for a mid-1988 opening, with more than 15,000 people expected to visit the centre each day during its opening weeks of trading.

Its tenants included Loewe of Spain, Gucci, Louis Vuitton of France, F J Benjamin and Sons Duty Free of Singapore, Diane Fries of Hong Kong, Hardy Brothers, Queens Institute of Beauty, Cornelius Furs and Brian Rochford.

Baillieu Knight Frank consultant Greg Clyde-Smith said at the time interest in the centre exceeded all expectations.

“Apart from the impressive array of outstanding retailers in the fashion and accessories industry, Marina Mirage has a range of stylish food and specialty stores covering a wide spectrum of international and Australian tastes,” he said.

“It is seen as a tourist attraction in its own right.’’

“The Marina Mirage will be the Double Bay and the Toorak of the Gold Coast,’’ he said.

“It is the retail nucleus of the Sheraton Mirage Resort in a classic design that substitutes the traditional hotel foyer shopping facilities in a stand-alone world class attraction with lots of marble and brass.’’

Skase exited the scene at the dawn of the 1990s as his business empire collapsed but Marina Mirage remained a major drawcard for the city through the 1990s and early 2000s, with celebrities drawn to its restaurants and boutiques, including Omeros Brothers and Fellinis.

Its Versace boutique, which operated in the 1990s, played a key role in developer Sunland Group securing a deal with the House of Versace to build the world’s first fashion hotel next door in 2000.

Plenty of celebrities, famous and infamous, were spotted there over the years.

Convicted conman Peter Foster was often spotted dining there, while now-Queen Mary of Denmark shopped there in December 2015.

However the centre entered a downward trend by the late 2010s, with many of the long-term tenants departing and Covid dealing it a significant blow, leading to Markis Group’s revamp plans.