Tim Gurner’s luxury resort and residential development at Port Douglas approved

Work will start on a $250m luxury resort and residential development at an iconic Far North tourist destination after securing approvals from council.

Port Douglas will rocket into the stratosphere of elite luxury holiday destinations with a date set for the start of its biggest development since the $100m Sheraton Mirage in 1987.

Rich-listed developer Tim Gurner, whose net worth is an estimated $923m, has a vast portfolio of large scale high-rise projects across the east coast including the $1.75bn La Pelago 30-storey trio of towers development at the Gold Coast – but he has a soft spot for Port Douglas and believes it desperately needs high end offerings.

Six underwater hotel suites are a feature of a $250m high end wellness, tourism and hotel space that rich-lister developer Tim Gurner plans for 91-113 Davidson St in Port Douglas. Picture: Supplied

Douglas Shire Council approved the development on a 26,000 sqm site at 91 – 113 Davidson Rd at its April 30 meeting.

The $250m resort will have 112 hotel rooms across a three-storey building, including the six “underwater” aquarium rooms with a glassed wall creating an underwater visage into the lagoon.

Mr Gurner has engaged prominent Port Douglas architect Gary Hunt.

“We see this as a huge opportunity for the future of Port Douglas – the incredible area is crying out for some amazing accommodation that highlights its natural beauty, which is what inspired the design of our luxury wellness experience that locals will be proud of,” Mr Gurner said.

Developer Tim Gurner has plans for a $250m high end wellness, tourism and hotel space at 91-113 Davidson St in Port Douglas. Picture: Supplied

“Port Douglas is one of my favourite parts of the world – I love holidaying there with my family, and I’m looking forward to seeing this family friendly resort experience come to life and bring more visitors to the area.

“As with all our lifestyle and property projects, we always try to push the boundaries of what is possible – at Davidson Street in Port Douglas there’ll be lagoon-facing underwater rooms, wellness facilities and our signature brand of high-end residences, culminating in a new experience that you won’t be able to get anywhere else in Far North Queensland.

“We believe in creating spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience. With this project, we are setting a new standard for luxury hospitality, where wellness is woven into every aspect of the guest experience.”

Developer Tim Gurner has plans for a $250m high end wellness, tourism and hotel space at 91-113 Davidson St in Port Douglas. Picture: Supplied

Mr Hunt said the project would set a new benchmark for Port Douglas and give local industries a boost.

“We believe it will put the town back on the map as the pre-eminent destination for tourism,” Mr Hunt said.

He said the Gurner group had worked closely with council to ensure the design aligned with council preferences, and that it would set a new benchmark for luxury accommodation in the region.

Property tycoon Tim Gurner has unveiled plans for a luxury hotel flanked by private residential villas at 97-113 Davidson St, Port Douglas. Picture: Supplied

Mr Hunt said Gurner group worked within the planning scheme and incorporated feedback from stakeholders.

Mr Gurner said the resort was inspired by Europe’s best beach clubs, including Saint Tropez and the Greek islands.

Rich-lister property developer Tim Gurner has approval for a $250m Port Douglas resort and residences.

It would have distinctive blue lagoon and feature bars and restaurants, a day spa and gymnasium facilities, he said.

The residential component will consist of 44 ultra-luxury homes and town homes, with seven different villa types and the ability to provide both short-term and permanent accommodation.

The ultra-luxe private homes will be priced between $2.5m and $10m, and will be surrounded by more than 5500 sqm of private landscaped areas and bookable facilities.

Mr Gurner said more than 30 per cent of the site would be tropical landscaping with 3000 sqm of outdoor amenities.

The 3.4ha hotel and conference centre Sheraton Mirage, built by Christopher Skase in 1987, changed hands last year for a reported $192m.

Originally published as Tim Gurner’s luxury resort and residential development at Port Douglas approved