Billionaire owners to transform Gold Coast's Marina Mirage into 'Australian Riviera'

15/11/2025

GOLD COAST BULLETIN

A famed 1980s shopping centre is set to be transformed into superyacht-hosting retails, hotel and entertainment playground.

The billionaire owner of Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast has officially closed its doors and will embark on a $500m transformation the iconic destination which its owners say will usher in the birth of The Australian Riviera.

Developed by Christopher Skase and opened in 1988, the retail, residential, and mixed-use precinct was bought by the Adelaide-based family company Makris Group in 2013.

The new high-end development will represent the most significant investment into the Gold Coast Spit since its creation in 1986.

The new precinct will combine superyacht marina culture with an top of the range hotel and limited edition residences, integrated with the waterfront environment.

Chief executive Jason Makris said they expect demolition of the shopping centre by February/March. The project will be completed in 2029.

“We’re establishing the benchmark in Australia for a destination that embodies the sophistication of a Riviera lifestyle yet feels unmistakably Australian,” he said.

“Residents and visitors will move effortlessly from their yacht to their villa, to fine dining, curated retail, and world-class leisure and wellbeing experiences.”

The new precinct will combine a superyacht marina, 5-star hotel and apartments.

The heart of the development will feature the 126-key Marina Mirage Gold Coast, a Luxury Collection Resort by Marriott International – the first of its kind on Australia’s mainland – bringing the world’s most distinguished hospitality to the Gold Coast.

The low-rise, eco-aligned village will include 38 ultra-exclusive residences, seven restaurants, and eight high-end boutiques.

A 2000 sqm longevity and wellness precinct will feature “clinical-grade recovery”, biohacking, fitness and wellness programs, while 1000 sqm of flexible event spaces will cater to functions, pavilions, rooftop events and co-working spaces.

Complementing the resort is the 78-berth superyacht marina that was completed in late 2021, accommodating vessels from 12m to 85m, complete with helipad access.

Selected waterfront restaurants will remain open until January 2026 with available site parking. The construction period will generate $865m, $120m a year post opening and 400 jobs after opening.

The Makris Group bought the Marina Mirage shopping centre for $52m in 2013 and the marina from receivers a few months later for $7.1m.

He said since the covid pandemic retail has changed and the property became a redevelopment opportunity”.

“Gold Coast has shown strong growth. It continues to dominate as a tourism destination for domestic and international travellers and what we are doing just makes sense,” he said.

“This builds on the vision of my father, Con Makris, who recognised early the Gold Coast’s potential as a world-class coastal destination.”

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin