Martha Cove on Melbourne's Peninsula

Martha Cove

Throughout Australia, boats outnumber the need for berths. Victoria is no exception, with boat registrations topping 158,500 in 2006, yet currently there's only an estimated one berth per 32 boat owners.

So the bold concept of a marina at Safety Beach evolved. Martha Cove was 10 years in the planning, with the biggest hurdle overcome when a unique road underpass and a 'seabridge' above was completed, allowing vessels direct access to Port Phillip Bay. With no bridges restricting the height of boats and no locks to hinder access to the bay, Martha Cove is the waterfront suburb for boat owners.

In the past 12 months the dream has become a reality with the completion of Indigo apartments and boardwalk, plus the opening of the final stage of the Martha Cove Harbour.

Access from the city and surrounding suburbs was recently greatly enhanced with the opening of the new freeway-standard tollway, EastLink, bringing the development 30 minutes closer to the city.

To complete the massive project successfully, sections are developed by individual companies, with Indigo producing 267 marina berths, 104 apartments, terrace homes and the Marina Village.

Indigo's managing director, Mitch Nielsen said: "Martha Cove was Victoria's only safe harbour with direct deepwater access to the ocean.

"The Peninsula is not just a summer escape, it's a winter playground. Wineries, golf courses and fine dining are just some of the indulgences on offer and, summer or winter you just can't beat the Martha Cove water views and unrestricted access to Port Phillip Bay," he said.

The three-bedroom waterfront apartments were designed by SJB interiors and boast direct access to marina berths, water views and a winter courtyard.

"The apartments all make use of natural light and breezes," Mr Justin of SJB said.

"The open, resort-style layout incorporates a winter garden, an area which brings the outdoors in. The units have a resort theme, with timber and sandstone prominent throughout the landscaping," he said.

Indigo is now working to bring forward stage two of its Martha Cove development which included 44 luxury marina front apartments, and the main Martha Cove retail shopping precinct.

The $A650 million Martha Cove development comprises 1150 dwellings, 650 marina berths, a marina and boat harbour, commercial and retail precinct.

Plans are finalised for the Martha Cove Marina Village over three separate sites which will be occupied by a restaurant, grocery store, specialty retail and 44 luxury apartments.

The 500m² of restaurants and cafes (totalling approximately 250 seats) takes prime position on the waterfront site overlooking the Marina and Waterfront Place. The retail area will be situated directly behind the restaurant and linked by a main street and partially covered piazza.

For more information, phone Colliers Martha Cove on 1800 006 446 or visit www.marthacoveharbour.com.au