Legendary Australian jockey Mick Dittman, affectionately known as The Enforcer to legions of fans, has been named the face of the Gold Coast’s $2.3 billion Imperial Square development in a move that brings together two giants in their respective fields.
The announcement reads:
Developer Azzura Investments has appointed Mr Dittman as an ambassador for the landmark mixed-use project which is set to reshape the Gold Coast skyline with Australia’s tallest tower.
The move follows the Melbourne Cup-winning hoop’s commitment to buy an apartment in stage one of the project, the $155 million Regal Residences that will deliver 145 luxury apartments and 200 hotel suites over 18 storeys.
Mr Dittman said he was honoured to take the reins as ambassador of the iconic project to support Azzura’s founder Robert Badalotti’s vision for the site.
“Without doubt, this development will put Southport and the Gold Coast on the map,” said Mr Dittman.
“Having known Robert for many years, his eye for detail is second to none, so when I was searching for the perfect apartment to buy, I took a closer look at Regal Residences and I was sold.
“These are spacious apartments, in a great position with terrific views across the Broadwater and a quality development that I am pleased to represent on behalf of Azzura.
“The master plan for this site is impressive as it will create its own mini-city in the heart of Southport.”
Imperial Square will rise on a 1.34ha site bounded by Ferry Road, Meron Street and Gillian Lane in Southport.
Once completed, the master-planned development will boast three landmark towers, including the 108-storey Imperial Tower and the 54-level Monarch Place.
The master plan for Imperial Square will include a range of commercial and business spaces, rooftop bars, and luxury amenities such as pools, gymnasiums and spas, as well as a cinema with spectacular views to the ocean.
Mr Dittman plans to take Imperial Square to the world through his existing network of overseas contacts who have already shown an interest in the development. The champion jockey spent many years in Singapore after retiring from racing working as a racing manager and more recently as a bloodstock consultant.
The Rockhampton-born champion jockey, who was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2002, has an extended connection with the Gold Coast, not least because he has been a local for more than a decade.
Mr Dittman had his first race on the Gold Coast as a teenager, later enjoying a double at Murwillumbah when he was just 16.
After more than 30 years in the saddle, including a winning partnership with legendary trainer Tommy Smith, Mr Dittman clocked up more than 1700 race wins. Among them were 88 Group 1 wins and the biggest of them all, the Melbourne Cup in 1982 on Gurner’s Lane.
Imperial Square is the largest project undertaken by Azzura Investments which over the past three decades has delivered in excess of 2600 residential dwellings, 24 commercial projects and six international resorts stretching from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay.
Azzura has accelerated its construction program after securing commitments for more than half the apartments in Regal Residences.
“We’re extremely honoured that Mick Dittman has chosen Imperial Square for his future home, and even more so that he has accepted our invitation to represent this landmark development to the world,” said Mr Badalotti.
“Mick is a Queenslander through and through and we are just as excited as he is to be bringing this landmark development to the Gold Coast.”
Source: Media Release, Media Hunt Communications
