Marina re-development another victim of COVID-19

DEVELOPMENT

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Geoff York has been formally appointed Crystalbrook’s CEO after serving in an interim CEO role. Image: Supplied.

The future of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Port Douglas, is in the balance thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And this week, after being formally appointed Crystalbrook’s CEO after serving in an interim CEO role, Geoff York said the pandemic has caused his company to review the $250m re-development of the Marina.

“COVID-19 has made us reassess our Marina re-development. We are currently revisiting the best use of the space and hope to have something we can discuss with Council at a future point.

“At this stage we are yet to establish timelines,” York said in a statement to Newsport.

An artist's impression of what had been proposed for the Port Douglas Crystalbrook Marina before it was put on hold. Image: Supplied.

In November 2019, Newsport reported that Crystalbrook Collection owner, Ghassan Aboud, said the proposed $250 million Marina development had been placed on hold pending the future of increased traffic through Cairns Airport and support from the State Government to boost tourism numbers.

Hotel News outlined what could be expected from the proposed development.

“A scene revealing three low-rise towers loaded with solar panels, a central water feature and surrounded by multiple swimming pools.

“According to the plans, the site will feature a 100-room, five-star hotel alongside a 30-room ‘ultra-lux’ hotel at the marina – Australia’s northern-most developed yachting launch pad. In addition, 15 apartments and five waterfront villas – all likely to be sold on a residential basis – will be part of the North Queensland development.”

Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Port Douglas. Image: Supplied.

York, meanwhile, who joined Crystalbrook Collection as Group Director of Hotels in July 2017, brings 35 years to the role with experience in general and regional management with previous appointments across the Asia Pacific region with Accor, Hilton and Event Hospitality & Entertainment.

“I look forward to driving Crystalbrook to further becoming a thought leader on sustainable luxury hospitality in Australia.

“Travelling with a lighter environmental footprint must be at the forefront of everything we do. For Crystalbrook, this is all about empowering all our staff to think environmentally, acting smarter to create less waste such as the removal of plastics, embracing renewable resources, running paperless teams and working with local suppliers to reduce our carbon impact,” said York. 

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