The City of Moreton Bay has approved plans for one of its most ambitious lifestyle and hospitality projects to date, with Comiskey Group securing the tender to deliver an A$180 million resort and town centre precinct at North Lakes. Set to be built on a 1.72-hectare site in the heart of the suburb, the development will feature a 130-room five-star hotel, boutique retail outlets, luxury dining, wellness facilities, and expansive community spaces.
Dubbed a “mini-James Street,” the precinct is designed to bring together lifestyle, accommodation, leisure, and commerce in a way that positions North Lakes as a central hub for the booming Moreton Bay region. With Brisbane preparing to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the timing of the project is strategic, aligning with broader efforts to expand Queensland’s tourism and event-ready infrastructure.
The development builds on Comiskey Group’s track record of delivering destination venues across South-East Queensland, including Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel. For the family-owned developer, the North Lakes project is being framed not only as a commercial venture but as a cultural hub designed to elevate the profile of Moreton Bay on the national tourism map.
How will the North Lakes development contribute to economic growth and job creation in Moreton Bay?
The economic impact projections are at the core of this proposal. Over its first five years of operation, the resort precinct is expected to inject A$538 million into the local economy. This will be supported by the creation of an estimated 883 jobs across both the construction phase and ongoing operations.
Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway highlighted that almost 1,500 North Lakes residents currently employed in accommodation and food services have to travel outside the area for work. The new development is expected to create 335 permanent roles on-site, allowing more residents to secure careers closer to home while lifting local household spending.
Institutional observers note that the project directly addresses a major constraint facing the region: a shortage of high-quality accommodation. Moreton Bay’s events industry, which generated more than A$50 million in 2024, has been hampered by limited hotel capacity. The introduction of a five-star resort could therefore unlock new revenue streams from conferences, sporting events, and corporate travel.
What features will define the design and visitor experience at the new North Lakes resort precinct?
The master plan, developed by award-winning architectural firm Bureau Proberts, combines modern design principles with lifestyle-driven amenities. Stage one of the development includes the boutique hotel, a lagoon-style luxury pool, premium dining venues, and a Comiskey Group-operated hospitality centrepiece capable of hosting up to 800 guests.
The precinct will also feature boutique fashion outlets, wellness facilities, and an expansive public square designed as a community gathering place. By integrating retail, dining, leisure, and green space, the developers are positioning the site as both a tourism destination and a central lifestyle hub for residents.
Stage two will expand the retail and dining footprint and introduce complementary experiences, with flexibility to adapt offerings based on demand and operator feedback. Rob Comiskey said the goal is to create a destination that reflects the lifestyle of Moreton Bay while offering experiences that draw visitors from across Queensland and beyond.
How does the project support Moreton Bay’s strategy for Brisbane 2032 and beyond?
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery has positioned the project as part of a wider push to transform the region’s tourism identity. While Moreton Bay has traditionally been overshadowed by Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, it has become one of Queensland’s fastest-growing population centres, with natural attractions and event potential increasingly drawing attention.
The resort is expected to provide vital accommodation capacity for the 2032 Games, including for visiting teams, training camps, and corporate partners. It also supports the region’s ambition to grow its business events sector by providing modern conference and event spaces.
Analysts point out that large-scale sporting events often create enduring legacies for host cities when supported by infrastructure like premium hotels. By aligning the North Lakes project with Brisbane 2032, Comiskey Group and the Council are tapping into a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate Moreton Bay’s tourism and hospitality brand.
What is Comiskey Group’s track record in delivering destination projects across Queensland?
The Comiskey Group has become a household name in South-East Queensland for creating lifestyle venues that combine entertainment, hospitality, and tourism. Eatons Hill Hotel, opened in 2011, is one of the largest entertainment complexes in Australia, while Sandstone Point Hotel has become a nationally recognized waterfront destination hosting concerts, events, and holiday accommodation.
By replicating elements of this model in North Lakes, the group intends to deliver a precinct that blends local accessibility with premium experiences. According to Rob Comiskey, the project is about more than commercial returns; it is designed to provide residents with a cultural hub they can identify with, while attracting visitors from further afield.
Industry watchers say the developer’s long-term, family-run structure has enabled it to pursue bold, multi-year investments without the short-term pressures of listed companies. This has allowed Comiskey Group to focus on building landmark destinations with enduring economic and cultural value.
What are the main risks and opportunities that investors and institutions should track in this project?
Despite the promise of A$538 million in economic benefits, large hospitality and mixed-use projects face significant execution risks. Rising construction costs and labour shortages in Queensland’s building sector could increase the A$180 million budget. Inflationary pressures could also affect the profitability of food and beverage operations, which form a key part of the business model.
From an investor perspective, success will depend on maintaining strong hotel occupancy rates, capturing the premium events and conference market, and creating retail and dining offerings that differentiate the precinct from competing destinations in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
However, there are considerable opportunities. North Lakes is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing residential areas, with more than 24,000 residents and expanding demand for leisure and dining options. Combined with government support and the catalytic effect of Brisbane 2032, the project has tailwinds that could make it a showcase example of suburban-based premium hospitality investment.
When is construction scheduled to begin and what is the expected timeline for delivery?
The detailed design and approval process is expected to progress through 2025, with construction targeted to begin in 2026. The developers aim to deliver stage one, including the five-star hotel and core hospitality elements, well ahead of the 2032 Games. Stage two expansion will follow, aligned with visitor demand and operator strategy.
The City of Moreton Bay Council has indicated that it will work closely with Comiskey Group to maximize local procurement, workforce training, and tourism marketing, ensuring the project’s benefits extend broadly across the community.
What does the outlook for the North Lakes resort precinct reveal about Moreton Bay’s growth trajectory?
For the City of Moreton Bay, the North Lakes resort precinct represents more than a commercial investment; it is a statement of intent. With population growth accelerating and Brisbane 2032 creating global visibility, the region is seeking to position itself as a premier lifestyle and tourism destination.
For residents, the project promises new career pathways, improved leisure and cultural facilities, and reduced reliance on Brisbane for premium dining and accommodation. For investors, the development provides a rare case study of whether suburban hubs can sustain five-star hospitality precincts that deliver both financial returns and cultural vibrancy.
Institutional sentiment suggests cautious optimism. While there are risks tied to construction costs and market execution, the strategic location, timing, and developer reputation combine to create a strong foundation for success. The North Lakes resort precinct is emerging as both a flagship project for Comiskey Group and a defining milestone in Moreton Bay’s evolution into a globally recognized tourism destination.
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