Gurner's Davidson Street development unveils further details of a mixed-use complex
MULTI MILLION DEVELOPMENT
Millionaire property developer Tim Gurner has revealed the details of his upcoming project in Davidson Street. Newsport asked him about the new development plans and his perspective on the pressing issue of limited accommodation options for backpackers.
Last year, development firm Gurner made headlines when it acquired three adjacent sites on Davidson Street.
The combined 26,000 square metre block is currently home to Port Douglas Pandanus Tourist Park Caravan Park and Dougies Backpackers Resort.
In August last year the development was already given the green light from the Douglas Shire Council.
Recently, the Douglas Shire Council website published the development application, shedding light on additional details.
Mixed-use development
The project, named ‘The Davidson by Gurner’, will include a hotel and residential villa complex with various uses.
Hunt Design, a local architecture firm, has been entrusted with the task of designing the development, which will include a 107-room hotel featuring garden suites and poolside suites, as well as 45 private villas.
The complex will also feature an ocean pool with a beach, a swim-up pool bar, and an island within the water. Additionally, a sky bar on the third level will enhance the offerings of the low-rise hotel.
Gurner’s vision
According to Mr Gurner, the development is a combination of ultra luxury residential and short term accommodation projects.
“The development will allow future owners to be a part of a larger community with shared amenities and also be able to put their residences into a short term pool for flexibility into the future,” he explained.
“I believe it is very important that the community and council continue to focus on how we as a community can find cost-effective options for backpackers and we will continue to work with Council on how we can help with this for the town.
“However, I don't believe that the solution can currently come from private landowners, as it would be financially challenging to achieve.”
Mr Gurner shared that their goal is to start selling the homes by mid or end 2024, with construction set to begin in mid 2025.