Gold Coast development: First look at $300m complex’s ultra-exclusive floating club as construction preparations begin

The first sod will soon be turned on a $1.3bn wave of development on The Spit, with the green light now given to two projects, including one with an ultra-exclusive floating club.

The first sod will be turned on a $1.3bn wave of development on The Spit by Christmas, with the green light now given to two projects.

Neighbouring sites south of Marina Mirage will be the first to be transformed, with city leaders this week ticking off the $480m Ritz Carlton hotel which will replace Mariner’s Cove.

Developer Tim Gordon, bolstered by strong sales, says he will rapidly move to begin construction of his $300m Mantaray Marina and Residences on a vacant site next to Mariner’s Cove.

Artist impression of the Mantaray project on The Spit from Tim Gordon's Gordon Corporation.

The Gordon Corp project will be the first to begin construction, something he said would dramatically reshape The Spit.

“We plan to break ground for The Mantaray Marina and Residences in the coming months and the State Government’s masterplan for this iconic stretch of sand has been a catalyst for the highest concentration of private sector investment in the country,” he said.

“In the past six months more than $1.3bn in planned developments have been announced for The Spit, followed by the $192m acquisition of the Sheraton Grand Mirage by Australia’s Laundy and Karedis families.

Tim Gordon and his wife Karin.

“It is an extraordinary era for The Spit and there’s more to come.”

The three-storey, 24-unit complex will be the first of its kind in Australia and will also be home to a 67-berth superyacht marina.

Part of the marina will be devoted to the The Mantaray Club – an exclusive members-only on water lounge.

“The Mantaray Club is the centrepiece of the superyacht precinct, providing an unrivalled marina and clubhouse experience,” he said.

New artist impressions of Mantaray Marina and Residences on The Spit. Picture: Supplied

“Here, residents and members can enjoy the highest standards of personal service including an arrival and departure lounge, restaurant and bar facilities, sun deck, and private dining and meeting rooms.

“Members of The Mantaray Lounge also have access to general superyacht marina operations, boat and berth hire facilities, marina security services, and a full-service concierge encompassing everything from repairs and maintenance to events, catering and co-ordinating on-board personnel.”

New artist impressions of Mantaray Marina and Residences on The Spit. Picture: Supplied

The Gordon Corp marina will sit alongside the “white glove” superyacht marina which the Melbourne-based Giannarelli Group, alongside joint venture partners Pelligra Group, want to build in its six-star Ritz Carlton project. The Ritz Carlton project will have its own floating beach club alongside more than 5000sq m of restaurants and bars.

Dion Giannarelli said his project would be “arguably one of the best developments the Gold Coast has seen in many years.”

Dion Giannarelli, Ross Pelligra and Dean Giannarelli who will build the Ritz Carlton.

Other projects on the agenda are Makris Group’s plans for a $500m “reimagining” of Marina Mirage, with the 1980s-era shopping centre set to be extended, with a range of new features including restaurants, retail and a wellness hub.

Tenders remain out for the Village Gateway site occupied by the Water Police complex and the Village East Resort, home to the former Golden Door gym.

The Village East developer will be required to revamp it as a “resort-style complex with a public plaza flowing from SeaWorld Drive to the ocean and relocation of the public carpark south into Hollingdale Park”.

Renders of the Ritz Carlton, Gold Coast, which is slated to open in 2026. Picture: Supplied