Marina Mirage Gold Coast, a Luxury Collection Resort will open in 2027 as part of a $500m redevelopment of the 1980s-era shopping centre at the Marina Mirage site by Makris Group.

The new “first-class” hotel will have 122 rooms and be built as the complex is transformed into a “mixed-use precinct”.

Richard Crawford, Marriott International’s Australia hotel development vice president, said the development, which is expected to begin construction this year, would become a “destination-defining project”.

“The reimagination of the iconic Marina Mirage precinct presents an inspiring opportunity to expand our luxury footprint on the Gold Coast – a market we know very well, after more than 35 years’ experience operating the city’s two leading resorts under our JW Marriott and Sheraton brands,” he said

“The destination’s resilience during and post pandemic has been remarkable, and we are very confident that proven demand for high-quality hotel experiences will be a strong foundation for the success of our first Luxury Collection property on mainland Australia.

“Now present in more than 40 countries, each property in The Luxury Collection is a distinctive representation of its unique place in the world, so securing appropriate new footholds for the brand requires patience.

“We were drawn to the Makris Group’s bold vision for the rejuvenation of their valuable waterfront site, and we are naturally thrilled that the family has selected The Luxury Collection as the brand for the hotel, a centrepiece of what is certain to be a destination-defining project.”

The Makris Group redevelopment of the Christopher Skase-built complex was greenlit by the Gold Coast City Council in 2023.

It will feature a signature restaurant, functions and events space, rooftop bar and beauty centre.

It is expected to create up to 500 jobs during construction.

Makris Group CEO Jason Makris said residential units would be included in the project.

“The approved development embodies Con Makris’ long-term vision for Marina Mirage. As part of The Luxury Collection, the new Marina Mirage will deliver an authentic resort and destination with a diverse array of local award-winning restaurants and boutiques, wellness, health and beauty facilities, a new state-of-the-art marina, and, for the first time, a limited selection of villas and residences,” he said.

“Along with its excellence achieved in architectural design, we are confident our unique property will quickly reinvigorate its environment, while delivering a world-class destination for the Gold Coast, Queensland, and our economy”.

The new Marriott will be the second luxury development to break ground this year, following construction beginning on Gordon Corp’s $300m Mantaray Residences project on a site next to Mariner’s Cove.

The developer, headed by Tim Gordon, and partner Bruce Mathieson, vows to complete construction of the three-storey residential project by 2026.

The three-storey, 24-unit complex will also have a 67-berth superyacht marina.

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

Mariner’s Cove has also been earmarked for redevelopment, with the Melbourne-based Giannarelli Group, alongside joint venture partners Pelligra Group, planning to transform it into the 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.

The $480m development was approved by the council in August 2023.

The Village Gateway site occupied by the Water Police complex and the Village East Resort, home to the former Golden Door gym, are both earmarked for redevelopment.

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”.