Developers to ‘explore all the opportunities’ for waterfront
PORT DOUGLAS
THE new owners of the Port Douglas marina will hold a special workshop next week to investigate the scope of the development location.
Crystalbrook Collection recently acquired The Reef Marina and has begun fine tuning plans for a waterfront expansion in excess of $100 million.
The company’s CEO Mark Davie told Newsport a meeting was scheduled in Port Douglas between all key partners as investor Ghassan Aboud embarks on his fourth major project in the Far North.
“The purpose of the think tank is to bring the key stakeholders together to explore all the opportunities for the site and to establish what will work best,” Davie said.
“We’ll be working with our executive leadership team, architects, builders, engineers and key members from the local council and community.
“It’s a very exciting project for us, we believe it will play a key role in defining the Crystalbrook Collection brand.”
Crystalbrook falls under Aboud's GA Group banner after he purchased the tourism and hospitality company earlier this year. It also boasts three current hotel developments in Cairns, totalling $370 million, the Crystalbrook Lodge and a 90 foot MV Bahama motor cruiser based in Port Douglas.
The design process of its Port Douglas development was still in its early days, according to Davie, but would be shared with the wider community once confirmed. An announcement on an architect for the project was also imminent.
Central to the plans is building a state-of-the-art resort, premium residential apartments, new retail and dining options along with extending superyacht berths at the marina.
Davie said Port Douglas should be ‘very excited’ by the massive investment, set to have significant flow on effects for the town.
“The location is iconic and Port Douglas is such a fantastic town,” he said.
“We believe it’s a prime opportunity to develop the marina and really revitalise the atmosphere of the area.
“Port Douglas is truly charming and we believe this project will encourage many domestic and international high end tourists, and we absolutely plan to offer them an incomparable experience.”
Davie also confirmed the new Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina has retained all staff from The Reef Marina.
“We have no intention of any redundancies and all staff will retain their roles.”
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