The Rivergate Marina and Shipyard has announced plans to undergo a $200 million extension.
The project aims to turn the shipyard into a superyacht maintenance and refit hub for vessels measuring over 50 metres, with hopes that this will increase the numbers of yachts visiting the region.
First opened in 2006, the Rivergate Marina and Shipyard has serviced more than 300 vessels, including 60 metre charter yacht Ramble on Rose and 44 metre sailing yacht Ningaloo.
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard director Tom Hill said there was a "lack of adequate lifting, repair and refit facilities" in the region.
"Rivergate is by far the best place in Australia for a superyacht hub due to its central east coast location, proximity to an international airport, deep water access, year-round safe climate and abundant supply of skilled trades," he said.
“The average size of these vessels is also increasing, so the expansion of Rivergate is ideally timed to accommodate this growth and make our region much more accessible for superyachts,” he added.
The expansion is set to include the installation of a syncrolift capable of lifting superyachts of up to 3,000 tonnes. Other expansion plans include a new hardstand with capacity for multiple superyachts, three large refit sheds, two in-water service berths, and a five-storey trade centre with offices, training rooms, a café, and crew accommodation and recreation facilities.
When complete, Rivergate Marina and Shipyard will be the largest superyacht facility in the Asia Pacific region.
Hill added that the marina would help superyachts explore the region's stunning scenery: “Australia, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia have some of the most exciting superyacht cruising grounds in the world" said Hill, noting that the Great Barrier Reef along the Queensland coast is right "on Rivergate’s doorstep."
Plans are already underway to begin development, with construction set to start in 2021.