Southport Spit $300m Superyacht Project Under Way

Luxurious sandcastles—the Gold Coast has seen more than a few built.

But it has been a while since one has risen along the narrow strip dividing the ocean depths from the sheltered waters of the Southport Broadwater, north of Surfers Paradise.

Within days, excavator buckets are expected to hit the sand as construction starts on the first major development along The Spit for more than 20 years.

Developer Gordon Corp has signalled that work will begin on its luxury $300-million Mantaray Marina and Residence project after Easter.

With just 24 apartments—including 10 penthouses, one of which sold off-the-plan for $28 million a year ago—the three-storey development is touted to become one of the Glitter Strip’s most exclusive addresses.

As well, two sub-penthouses have recently been snapped up for $17.5 million each by two Sydney families as holiday homes.

Sales in the project fronting the Southport Broadwater were launched in mid-2023 with two members of a Gold Coast family among the first buyers, each forking out $12 million for villas.

The emergence of the sandy strip north of Surfers Paradise as one of the country’s most sought-after new enclaves for the uber rich comes 25 years after the heady days of development when it became the home of the upmarket  Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and former Palazzo Versace Hotel.

The Rothelowman-designed Mantaray Marina and Residences will comprise a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments, villas and penthouses alongside a world-class 67-berth superyacht marina and exclusive members-only on-water lounge.

▲ A render of Gordon Corp’s Mantaray Marina and Residences development on The Spit.

Gordon Corp chief executive Tim Gordon has partnered with pub baron Bruce Mathieson on the landmark development, which is the first major project to be delivered under the Queensland Government’s Spit Master Plan.

“More than $1 billion in private sector investment has been committed at The Spit since the masterplanning process was finalised, triggering an extraordinary transformation,” Gordon said. “We’re excited to be at the forefront of this.

“To live on The Spit is incredibly rare and residents will have access to unrivalled private amenities.

“The Mantaray Marina and Residences will supercharge Queensland’s superyacht tourism sector and deliver new residential, retail and marina offerings within The Spit’s designated village centre.”

Construction giant Multiplex will deliver the project, which is expected to generate more than 200 jobs throughout its construction and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Gordon Corp was awarded the State Government tender to acquire a 120-year lease to develop the 9858sq m site at 503 Seaworld Drive in December, 2022.