Discover a place where you're just a short walk from shops, restaurants and recreational facilities. Port of Airlie is a truly integrated development, where a significant amount of the site will be dedicated to public open space. Canal Street will even directly link the Port of Airlie retail precinct with the Airlie Esplanade, creating a seamless link between the two and enabling your social life to flourish in the vibrant atmosphere beside the sparkling blue sea. Much of the Port of Airlie site will be dedicated to public open space featuring: 4,000sq mtrs of specialty retail including boutiques, restaurants, cafes and taverns. World-class marina, A new town square, Sculptural art features, Sandy beach, Waterfall and spectacular lighting display, Boardwalks and Airlie Esplanade and Stunning scenic views

The Boathouse Apartments.

Practical completion of The Boathouse Apartments has now been achieved by Hutchinson Builders. Since the Christmas break the builders and landscapers have been focusing on the final clean and polish prior to handover which is expected by mid to late February. The boardwalk and first marina arm have now been finished and the special appeal of the apartment and marina interface can now be fully appreciated. The undercover retail collonade has proven to be a magnetic attraction with sweeping lawns connecting the Marina and Boardwalk directly with the Boathouse retail. With settlement expected by Mid to late February,The Boathouse Apartment buyers will be eager to take up ownership of their waterfront apartments in one of Queensland's most unique coastal destinations. Outrigger Hotels and Resorts management team will be present on site from the second week of February adding The Boathouse Buildings to their impressive port folio. Outrigger will be available to discuss management options with the new apartment owners.

Meridien retail leasing executive, Frank Fabris advises that The Coffee Club fit-out has started on site. Upon completion, The Coffee Club will be providing full restaurant service in addition to their great coffee and cakes. Final negotiations are underway with a leading surfwear and resort fashion operator and when concluded, it is proposed that they will open at the same time as The Coffee Club. In addition, negotiations are under way with a boutique bottle shop, gelato outlet and a sushi bar.The Boathouse retail precinct is targeting a high standard mix of resort style food and fashion in keeping with the Port of Airlie precinct.

Meridien's signature Airlie Beach development, Port of Airlie has signed on the international coffee and food group, The Coffee Club. The Coffee Club has signed an eight year lease with a seven year option for 250 sq. mtrs of retail space on the ground floor of The Boathouse Apartments which includes alfresco dining overlooking the Port of Airlie Marina. The Coffee Club Franchisee, Carolyn Mc Manus, who currently operates four Coffee Clubs in Townsville said "The venue will take on a coffee - bar - restaurant format and is expected to employ about 30 full time and casual staff". "We believe we have something to offer and are keen to be part of Airlie Beach and it's big future' she said. Meridien's retail leasing executive Frank Fabris said "Port of Airlie is changing the face of Airlie Beach and creating a world class destination".

"The Coffee Club was very impressed with Port of Airlie's retail look and feel, and it's prime waterfront views". Port of Airlie's retail precinct is set to become a vibrant retail atmosphere, attracting some of Australia's best retailers in food and fashion. Port of Airlie is destined to become one of Airlie Beach's main attractions. "Strong interest has been received from leading retail operators from all over the country looking to expand into The Whitsunday market. We are expecting further announcements of fashion and food operators signing on at Port of Airlie in the next few weeks", said Mr.Fabris. In total, Port of Airlie's retail precinct will comprise over 1500 sq. mtrs overlooking the marina. Public facilities will include customer underground parking, harbourside boardwalk, an all - tide white sandy beach and public parks.

Liz and I had the opportunity to meet up with Port of Airlie Retail Leasing Executive Frank Fabris on Thurday 17 th Feb. We saw the work underway on The Coffee Club and Frank was kind enough to give us a tour of the area. Several well know retail outlets are in the process of signing at this point in time and will be made public as soon as contracts are finalised. April 1st is the proposed opening date of The Coffee House and will coincide with leasing arrangements managed by Outrigger.