Operators of The Reef Marina said the proposal, to be built in stages, would help connect the town centre to the waterfront, while driving jobs, tourism and economic growth to the tune of almost $600 million over 30 years.
The Reef Marina co-owner Andrew Hooper-Nguyen said it was an important milestone in the continued regeneration of the waterfront, reasserting the region’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination.
“This is the largest proposed investment Port Douglas has seen in almost three decades and will build on our efforts to rejuvenate the Marina, which has already seen a full retail refurbishment, landscaping, new entertainment offerings including Hemingway’s Brewery, The Boat House and Barbados and the super yacht expansion since work began in 2014,” Mr Hooper-Nguyen said.
Highlights of the development include the Rainforest Walk, which will be a heavily landscaped walkway generating strong pedestrian connectivity between the Marina and town centre.
It will be complemented by The Boardwalk, a publicly accessible timber boardwalk spanning the entire waterfront, which will feature public art, seating, shading, viewing stages, restaurants, cafes and other retail outlets.
The grassed area at the southern end of the redevelopment will be transformed into The Green, a showcase venue for live music and events utilising a new architecturally designed pavilion, complete with stage.
“Flexible open spaces will allow for both public and private recreational use for cultural community activities and markets, while the boardwalk along the waterfront will showcase the amazing views and link to surrounding parklands.”
Mr Hooper-Nguyen said at the very heart of the development was the desire to open up and breathe new life into the waterfront in a way that was sensitive to the environment, while holding onto the unique attributes that make Port Douglas so appealing.
“Buildings will be a maximum of three stories – the height of a palm tree – and the architectural form draws on the rich local heritage with simple roof shapes, stepping of structures to relate to the pedestrian scale, gables, window shading, plenty of landscaping and the retention of historical features.
“These include the ornate arches from the northern wing of the existing Marina building, which will be removed as part of the development process, the timber piles along Dickson Inlet and the On The Inlet over-water dining platform and weigh station.”
The Reef Residences will include five townhouses, 49 apartments, 26 dual-key apartments targeting short-stay visitors and space for dining and entertainment.
Stunning ocean and mountain views, a waterfront swimming pool, gym, residents’ lounge, 24-hour reception and concierge service and onsite car parking will be available for residents.
“This development is about creating new residential space, new commercial opportunities and ultimately greater tourism capacity,” Mr Hooper-Nguyen added.
The last stage of the development will offer five flexible units, which can be used as either townhouses, professional office/commercial suites or provide for other uses such as a day spa.
An additional 32 new marina berths and a dedicated cruise ship tender dock will be constructed in conjunction with the development. The Marina’s fishing trawlers will be invited to berth at new facilities within the Duck Pond and be able to sell seafood directly to the public.
The Slipway does not form part of this development application and operations will not be impacted.
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