Construction kicks off for major Gold Coast marine commercial building at The Boat Works

Tony Longhurst has begun construction on Pier 25, a new multi-storey commercial building at The Boat Works, in the latest expansion of the marine industry identity's sprawling Coomera marina complex.

The architect-designed building, positioned at the entrance to The Boat Works' northern superyacht yard within the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, will house marine showrooms, professional office suites and crew accommodation.

Longhurst, a former professional V8 Supercars driver, says Pier 25 represents a significant milestone for the precinct.

“Pier 25 represents our commitment to growth and innovation, creating premium spaces for marine businesses to grow and prosper, while enhancing the experience for boat owners and visitors,” he says.

Marine Solutions Australia (MSA) is among the early takers of space in the building with plans to expand its operations by establishing its headquarters and showroom at Pier 25.

MSA director Stewart Humphries says 95 per cent of the company's work is already carried out at The Boat Works.

“It makes sense to have our showroom there, in the heart of the action," he says.

"We are super-excited to be moving into Pier 25 and The Boat Works, which shares the same ethos and dedication to world-class service as MSA.”

The development comes as The Boat Works positions itself for an expected surge in vessel visitation demand in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. 

MSA is looking to capitalise on this growth with plans to expand operations to Sydney, Cairns and Airlie Beach.

The Boat Works spans more than 22 hectares, operates 80-plus sheds at capacity and supports a workforce of more than 1,000 people on site.

The latest development comes three years after The Boat Works completed a $30 million northern shipyard expansion as part of Longhurst's long-running "field of dreams" strategy of building infrastructure to attract marine tenants and services to the Gold Coast.

That project delivered heavy-lift capacity and hardstand facilities for superyachts, cementing The Boat Works' position as one of the largest marine service hubs in the southern hemisphere.

Longhurst has previously likened his approach to the motto "build it and they will come," steadily expanding the precinct over more than a decade.

Pier 25 extends that playbook into commercial and accommodation space, targeting the professional services layer that supports a growing superyacht and recreational boating sector on the Gold Coast.