How $180m hotel site was lost - and won

Above: From left - Mayor Peter Flannery, Deputy Mayor Jodie Ship, Erica Comiskey, David Comiskey, Paul Comiskey and Rob Comiskey at today's launch.

Rob Comiskey says building Moreton Bay’s new $180m five-star hotel precinct is “right in our wheelhouse” – unlike eight years ago.

Mr Comiskey spoke at an official launch of the huge development on 1.7 hectares of land in the heart of North Lakes.

“I’ve always liked this site,” said the director of Comiskey Group, which built and runs Eatons Hill and Sandstone Point Hotels.

“When the first (North Lakes) tender came in, seven or eight years ago, we looked at it … and weren’t successful. 

"But sometimes things happen for a reason.

“I’m much happier today with the concept we have presented. It is much better than the concept we presented back then.

Hotel picture gallery - click through

“I think this project would have been a bit of a reach for us seven years ago. Now it’s right in our wheelhouse. We’re much better at what we do.”

Today’s announcement came less than two months after the Comiskey Group revealed plans for a $250m five-star hotel at Sandstone Point.

In May, the family-run business also opened the $35 million Dakabin Hotel and has a $50m hotel mega-complex is now underway in Strathpine.

Comiskey's new North Lakes’ precinct will include a 130‑room resort, hospitality venue for 800, lagoon pool, high‑end dining and a boutique retail area.

Plans also include 650-700 car parks in two basement levels, “because the site is so valuable,” Mr Comiskey said.

“It really wouldn’t do it justice to have parking on-grade (ground level). Car parking is ugly. It provides a service and a purpose.”

Mr Comiskey is also happy with “low volume roads” around the site.

“It would be worse with massive road networks," he said. "That’s not very friendly or walkable.”

Design work is continuing. Construction is scheduled to start in 2026 and take about two years.

“We’ll be the operator for the venue, so we don’t need to get so many tenants to start," Mr Comiskey said.

“That’s the reason, I think, Council showed us support on this project, because they know we can deliver.

"We believe a 5-star hotel should be here. Two or three stars doesn't do it justice.

“The facilities will be every bit 5-star. From the pool all the way through the function rooms, penthouses, finishes ... it will be a full, true 5-star.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said the vision "exceeded" Council's expectation for "upscale tourism, hospitality and lifestyle experience in the heart of North Lakes".

Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway added: “We’ve had a few false starts (at the site), but I think that’s worked in our favour.”

The precinct will bring “quality jobs for North Lakes residents" and "attract businesses and conferences we’ve never seen in Moreton Bay,” she said.