The blueprint balances the protection of 138 hectares of public green space with the release of redevelopment sites designed to activate waterfront land and deliver a vibrant village centre.

There are seven developments either underway or poised to begin – Mantaray Marina and Residences, Main Beach Superyacht Marina and The Ritz-Carlton hotel, a revamped Marina Mirage, Carter’s Basin, Village East Resort, and The Isles. At the same time, the Imperial Hotel and Palazzo Residences, Southport Yacht Club and the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort are all sprucing up with multi-million-dollar makeovers.

The first major project, on track to open in June 2026, is the AU$350-million Mantaray Marina and Residences developed by Gordon Corp in partnership with the Bruce Mathieson Group and built by Multiplex. Following the marina’s opening, handover of the residences is expected in July.

Main Beach Superyacht Marina, developed by Pelligra-Giannarelli Queensland on the site of the former Mariner’s Cove, will be operational by Q3 2026, with The Ritz-Carlton hotel, restaurants and retail online in 2029.

The complete offering will position the Gold Coast as the Monaco of Australia, according to Dion Giannarelli, Director of Pelligra-Giannarelli Queensland.

“The Gold Coast has always been Australia’s most prestigious playground and, once completed, The Ritz-Carlton, Gold Coast will elevate the city’s tourism pedigree to an entirely new level of energy and quality,” he says.

The developments along The Spit and Main Beach will open the door for much larger vessels to arrive and stay, enjoying amenities of the calibre you see in the world’s most sophisticated cities.”

The Pelligra-Giannarelli Group is also actively involved in the revitalisation of Carter’s Basin into a new marine precinct with 100 commercial marina berths to support the local fishing fleet and marine tourism operators.

The sail-topped former boutique shopping and dining landmark Marina Mirage will undergo an AU$500-million redevelopment to transform it into The Luxury Collection Resort by Marriott International, comprising 126 hotel rooms and 38 residences.

On the site of the former Golden Door Spa and Health Club – adjacent to what was the first five-star hotel on The Spit, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort – will be the AU$500-million Village East Resort. To be developed by Vitale Property Group, the project will include a hotel, short-stay villas, dining venues and community space for recreation and markets.

Then, at the Southern Gateway to The Spit, The Isles will be an AU$100-million mixed-use precinct developed by Ignite Projects. Designed by Contreras Earl Architecture, it will deliver 27 luxury apartments, plus restaurants, bars and an 18-berth marina.

The world’s first fashion-branded hotel, Palazzo Versace, was rebranded as the Imperial Hotel Gold Coast and Palazzo Residences in 2023, boasting a marina with 91 private berths owned by the condominiums. The property is currently undergoing multi-million-dollar renovations, ensuring the iconic Italianate enclave evolves in step with the Main Beach revival.

Across the road on the ocean side, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast – which was originally developed by Christopher Skase and opened in 1987 –is investing millions in upgraded facilities. At the far southern end, Southport Yacht Club is rebuilding its existing marina and adding 19 new berths to keep pace with rising demand.

It’s a brave new era that’s eagerly anticipated by residents, businesses and the boating industry alike.

Mitchell Torrens, Director of Torrens Luxury Collection, international broker and proud Gold Coaster, has described the development on the Broadwater as the most significant transformation in decades.

“These developments don’t just benefit private owners and marina users, they also deliver meaningful public upgrades, such as improved boardwalk connectivity, enhanced waterfront access, revitalised surrounding parklands and a diverse mix of high-quality dining, retail and lifestyle offerings,” he says.

Torrens, whose brokerage business takes him to Monaco, Cannes and the Mediterranean six months of the year, as well as key yachting destinations in the US, says he is most excited about “seeing marinas evolve beyond simply being places to berth vessels, and instead becoming fully immersive lifestyle precincts.

That’s where the international industry has moved – marinas integrated with premium accommodation, dining, wellness, retail and accessible waterfront experiences,” he continues.

In the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, the Gold Coast will be ideally positioned to take advantage of increased superyacht visitation.

“The Olympic Games represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Southeast Queensland,” Torrens says.

“Beyond the global exposure, the real benefits lie in accelerated investment, long-term infrastructure delivery and lasting economic impact.”

Andrew Fielding, CEO of the Boating Industry Association (BIA), grew up on the Gold Coast working in his family’s boating business. He says the Broadwater development is remarkable in its diversity and accessibility. “The BIA advocates for new and improved boating facilities, berthing opportunities and equitable access for all users,” he asserts.

“To have so many brand-new and refurbished marinas in proximity to each other, catering for all types of vessels, is very rare.”

Fielding continues, “The new Carter’s Basin Marina will provide a home for the Gold Coast’s trawler fleet and local marine tourism businesses. The BIA has worked hard to ensure a commitment from the government to support small businesses and primary industries in this location.”

The idyllically positioned 300-berth Southport Yacht Club (SYC) opened its AU$9-million, 163-metre floating superyacht berth in 2022, and since then has welcomed hundreds of vessels in the 30- to 60-metre range.

SYC General Manager Brett James says the profusion of new marina berths and venues will be great for the industry and also the city.

There will be nothing like The Spit in all of Australia,” he states, adding that the SYC is currently rebuilding its marina and adding an extra 19 berths. “We have a waitlist of 300 vessels, so it will be easy to fill.”

Mayor Tom Tate, himself a developer and civil engineer, said the renaissance of Main Beach and The Spit sends a clear message that the Gold Coast has come of age. “Our city has long been recognised as a destination that is connected to the water. From our extensive canals, the Nerang and Coomera rivers, expansive Broadwater and 55 kilometres of beaches, there’s an obvious synergy that draws residents and millions of visitors to the water’s edge.

“We’re now seeing developments like Marina Mirage and Mantaray make a signature statement with their investments in this iconic location. The developments are key to improving marine facilities for locals as well as boosting services available to visiting superyachts and crew,” he notes.

“The superyacht industry is evolving rapidly and is currently well supported by the Coomera Marine Precinct. I have no doubt locals will relish the revitalisation of this precinct, creating another hub for retail, accommodation and dining experiences, as well as access to the Broadwater for day cruises, dinner and special events. I can’t wait!”