Monday 11 April 2011

Sheraton plan "will blow your mind"

: The Sheraton Mirage will undergo a massive face lift after David Marriner settled for $35 million. Photo by needitnow.com.au.

The announcement from investor David Marriner that he has settled on the purchase of The Sheraton Mirage Resort in Port Douglas for $35 million is being labelled a great day for Far Northern tourism and being hailed as a shot in the arm for all of North Queensland by Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.

According to Mr Entsch he has been working closely with David and Elaine Marriner and their Chinese investors and has received a first hand insight into the proposed master plan of the site which is expected to run into the tens of millions of dollars.

The master plan design and concepts are expected to be released to the public in the coming weeks.

“What they have planned for the Sheraton Mirage Resort will blow your mind, it is quite frankly amazing and very exciting. It will ensure this iconic Australian asset is reborn and it will reinvigorate the local tourism industry which is so desperately needed," Mr Entsch said.

“The David Marriner Group plans to re‐develop the resort into a sustainable brand. Their vision and master planning is exciting and is exactly what our tourism industry needs and I commend David and his company on being brave enough to invest in our region and see its potential despite the tough economic times being experienced.”

David Marriner said the loss of the former owners of the Mirage was very sad, but he hopes to refresh the brand and give it new life.

“The property has been a flagship for Australian tourism for 25 years. For the first time in its history, the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas has a sensible cost base which positions it well for redevelopment to reclaim its former glory."

Mr Entsch said he has met with Federal Government Ministers to discuss the master plan.

“Stabilising the economy and diversifying it is essential at this point in time and no‐one can deny that. I have already submitted a proposal and met with Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean and Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson in relation to this master plan as I believe what they have in store for the region will not only add to our tourism industry, but provide vital community and cultural infrastructure which will dovetail into plans already afoot with the sporting and cultural precincts in Cairns."

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Jean-Louis DiDomenico, 20-04-11 16:55:

Really need Fast-Train from Sydney. French TGV, 350kmh, 3 hours Sydney to Brisbane, then 5 hours Brisbane to Port Douglas. Would avoid fuel wasted by planes in 20 years time. Plans have to be valid with a 20 years vision. This will really make FNQ the back yard of Sydney and save on greenhouse gas. By then, Trains will go at 500kmh. Travelling to Port is as expensive (or more) as staying there.

Colleen miller, 19-04-11 14:27:

I hope he doesn't turn it into another Laguna Quays.

Brandi S, 17-04-11 09:40:

I think this will be great! Half the issues here in Port Douglas are the resorts being run-down and outdated. I'm going to miss the "james bond" style of the rooms at the Sheraton! lol. The new generation wants everything set to standard. They just don't appreciate a clean and safe place to stay anymore. They want all the trimmings, even bells and whistles for as cheap as they can get it. But wait, didn't our world set them up that way with all the new comings of technology? However, Port Douglas needs a big face lift and once the Sheraton and the lagoon pave the way, I think this town will have a big come-back. The locals keep forgetting the big picture, which is to revive the town. If you want the town to survive in this economy, all the natural beauty of Port Douglas just isn't enough anymore (breaks my heart to say that). We need to appeal to the "public" which means business people, singles, couples and families. I understand people don't like change, but clearly things aren't working and eventually something's gotta give.

Jeff Gale, 13-04-11 14:33:

What great news. Finally one of the things Port needs to have happen to get out of its rut looks like it will. Now all we need is the Lagoon Pool & waterfront project to trigger and Meridian to sort out the marina and we all may stand half a chance of survival

Liz Wilson, 12-04-11 15:42:

That's great news for Port Douglas, as well as the jobs it will create for all the local tradies. Any time lines yet on projected completion dates (which we can then tack another couple of years onto haha)