Melbourne Duo Lodges $480m Gold Coast Precinct Plan

Melbourne-based developers Pelligra Group and Giannarelli Group are pressing ahead with plans for a $480-million hotel and superyacht marina at Main Beach on the Gold Coast.

Both developers said they intend to increase their commitment to the area, which has surged in popularity over the past two years to command an average daily rate of $260 in revenue per available hotel room (revPA), the key industry metric.

The contentious Mariners Cove marina project is planned for a 11,500sq m site at 60-64 Seaworld Drive.

If approved, the ageing Mariner’s Cove shopping centre will be demolished to make way for the “avant-garde” lifestyle precinct.

Pelligra Group and Giannarelli Group acquired the 1.15ha land lease and 2.8ha sea-bed lease with 100 marina berths in an off-market sale from Ridong. 

The site is next to Gold Coast developer Sunland’s Palazzo Versace hotel. Ridong purchased the site from Sunland for $28 million in mid-2020.

Plans designed by architecture firm Kennon and now filed with the Gold Coast City Council include a 150-room, U-shaped, six-star branded hotel as well as a floating beach club, high-end retail offerings and over 5000sq m of food and beverage outlets.

▲ The project will include a boardwalk amphitheatre to offer an events program of local and international talent, musicians and performers. Image: Kennon

The three-storey development will span 100 metres along the Broadwater between Marina Mirage and the Southport Yacht Club. The developers plan to extend the marina to include 4000sq m of additional sea lease area accommodating up to 70 superyachts—each one up to 45 metres.

Pelligra Group chairman Ross Pelligra said the project, once realised, would be one of the “greatest luxury destinations” in the world. 

“The Gold Coast has always held appeal,” he said. 

“But now, with Queensland experiencing its biggest population boom in 16 years, the quality of development and investment is taking on a whole new energy, especially in and around Main Beach.

“High-end developments like this, not only draw in more tourism, but also provide jobs and fuel the economy overall, making the Gold Coast an exceptionally appealing place for both work and play.”

The hotel’s offering will include a 40m rooftop infinity pool for hotel guests, a 2000sq m rooftop event space, a 900sq m ballroom and parking for 441 vehicles.

It will also include a new pedestrian through-link on the southern boundary, dubbed Kurrungal Place, a pedestrianised passage from Sea-World Drive to the Broadwater.

▲ The hotel development will feature sand-coloured concrete, timber screens, silver reflective glass and bronze metal detailing. Image: Kennon

Pelligra said talks were currently under way with several of Australia’s leading restaurant groups who will headline the precinct’s expansive food and beverage offering, most of which will front the water and connect with the planned floating beach club.

The development has been submitted under the Queensland government’s masterplan for The Spit—providing for a low-rise redevelopment and to revitalise major infrastructure across the northern end of the Gold Coast in accordance with the current city plan.

The masterplan, developed over several years with significant engagement from the community, has allowed for development in the southern areas while keeping the area north of Sea World free of the towers.

The site has been subject to a number of developments in the past. Sunland bought the site’s lease and in 2015 and unveiled plans for a giant $600-million twin tower project, The Mariner.

However, Sunland abandoned the proposal in the face of significant political and community opposition. The area has always had a strict three-storey limit.

Pending approvals, Pelligra Group and Giannarelli Group hope the new hotel and marina can be built and opened as early as 2025.

Nearby, developer Gordon Corporation, headed by experienced builder Tim Gordon, late last year filed plans with the council for Village Centre, a $100-million, three-storey residential project alongside Mariner’s Cove.