General News
28 August, 2024
$250m resort on track
A TOWN planning appeal which could have delayed a $250 million resort at Port Douglas has been withdrawn.
There were fears the appeal process could have put The Davidson by Gurner project back two years.
But Douglas Shire Council and the Gurner Group have confirmed that the appeal was not proceeding.
A Gurner spokesoman said “Gurner is pleased to report that any estimated planning delays have now been mitigated and we can progress as originally planned with our ambitious plans for this exciting and pivotal Port Douglas project”.
“We are aiming to launch sales next year with construction to commence in mid-to-late 2025,” she said.
“Construction will be staged throughout the precinct, with the first stage slated to reach completion within two years.
“Gurner remains absolutely committed to this incredible project and is already in conversations with local authorities and builders to progress and activate the project”.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the council “welcomes development opportunities providing they reflect the character of Port Douglas and are in keeping with the development outcomes sought by the planning scheme”.
“The development of the site by Gurner is a representation of this. (The) council is pleased that the appeal proceedings have been withdrawn and the development of the land can progress,” she said.
The resort will bring together 112 hotel rooms across a three-storey building, including six “underwater” aquarium rooms with a glassed wall creating an underwater visage into a central lagoon.
The Gurner Group said they worked closely with Douglas Shire over the past 18 months to re-imagine a new level of luxury accommodation for the area, with the developer engaging Port Douglas-based Hunt Design as lead architect to elevate the offering beyond the traditional to create something completely unique to the market on the site of Dougies Backpackers Resort Accommodation and the Pandanus Caravan Park.
The resort has been inspired by Europe’s best beach clubs, including Saint Tropez and the Greek islands, that centres around a distinctive blue lagoon and features bars and restaurants, a day spa and gymnasium facilities.
The resort will also feature a residential component, consisting of 44 ultra-luxury homes and town homes (priced between $2.5m-$10m), with seven different villa types and the ability to provide both short-term and permanent accommodation.
Gurner Group chief executive officer Tim Gurner said it was “a huge opportunity for the future of Port Douglas”.
“The incredible area is crying out for some amazing accommodation that highlights its natural beauty, which is what inspired the design of our luxury wellness experience that locals will be proud of,” he said.
“Port Douglas is one of my favourite parts of the world – I love holidaying there with my family, and I’m looking forward to seeing this family friendly resort experience come to life and bring more visitors to the area.
“As with all our lifestyle and property projects, we always try to push the boundaries of what is possible – at Davidson Street in Port Douglas there’ll be lagoon-facing underwater rooms, wellness facilities and our signature brand of high-end residences, culminating in a new experience that you won’t be able to get anywhere else in Far North Queensland.”
