Projects to Supercharge New $2bn Era for The Spit Unveiled

The transformation of The Spit on the Gold Coast has entered a new epoch.

It is to be supercharged by two newly secured major projects that will inject more than half-a-billion dollars of private capital into the 5km-long strip of sand.

Under the plans, a duo of key sites put up for tender by the Queensland Government as part of The Spit Masterplan will be redeveloped with hotels, short-stay villas, retail and dining precincts, and marina berths.

The latest proposed additions bring the development pipeline along the Broadwater peninsula north of Surfers Paradise to more than $2 billion.

Carter’s Basin, the long-standing home of Queensland’s last remaining fishing co-op, is to be redeveloped by the Melbourne-based Pelligra Giannarelli Group to create “a thriving marine precinct”.

The plans for the basin, south of Sea World, include more than 100 commercial marina berths to address an existing shortage and provide essential support for the Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative.

As well, the precinct will feature family-oriented short-term accommodation, retail spaces, and upgraded public amenties, including boardwalks and improved pedestrian connections.

Director Dion Giannarelli said the vision “respects the area’s heritage while embracing its future potential”.

▲ A rendering of the Carter's Basin marine precinct proposal for The Spit.

“We are committed to working closely with the Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative and other stakeholders to ensure this development meets the needs of the community and delivers long-term benefits for the region,” Giannarelli said.

Together with joint venture partner Ross Pelligra, Giannarelli is also undertaking the $480 million redevelopment of Mariners Cove site down the road to accommodate a Ritz Carlton hotel and superyacht marina and pavilion.

Works began on the landmark site in November and the project is slated for opening in 2029.

Across the road, Vitale Property Group—developer of the lauded Mondrian hotel and residences at Burleigh Heads—has secured the development tender for The Spit’s last remaining beachfront site, formerly home to the Golden Door gym.

To be known as Village East Resort, its vision is for a vibrant coastal haven comprising hotel rooms, short-stay villas, ground-floor dining options, and dedicated spaces for community events and markets.

The plans also include significant public realm enhancements, such as a new public plaza linking Seaworld Drive to the Gold Coast Oceanway, complemented by upgraded amenities and a public car park.

Managing director Chris Vitale said the project reflected “a long-term commitment to delivering a world-class resort that carefully balances tourism, public access, and environmental considerations”.

▲ Aerial view of the beachfront site of the former Golden Door gym next door to the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.

“The focus is on creating a well-considered global destination that enhances the public realm and integrates thoughtfully with its setting,” Vitale said. 

Construction on both the Carter’s Basin redevelopment and the Village East Resort is expected to begin shortly after development approvals are granted.

The Spit has been dormant for more than 20 years since its heady days of development when it became the home to the upmarket Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and the former Palazzo Versace Hotel.

But under the implementation of The Spit Master Plan, a new era of development has dawned.

Leading the way, developer Gordon Corp’s $350-million Mantaray Marina and Residences—incorporating a 67-berth superyacht marina and exclusive members-only floating lounge—is already well advanced.

Makris Group is also moving ahead with its $500-million revamp of the 1980s-built Marina Mirage retail and dining precinct that will become a mixed-use hotel, residential and retail complex.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast-based developer Ignite Projects has been awarded the development rights to The Spit’s Southern Gateway site to deliver a landmark mixed-use precinct.

To be known as The Isles, the scheme has been designed by Contreras Earl Architecture and will comprise 27 luxury apartments, restaurant and bars, a commercial marina with up to 18 berths, as well as a $2.7-million revitalisation of adjacent parkland—including a new boardwalk.