THE new owners of a key CBD development site in Cairns want to build a $200 million attraction to complement the $8.15 billion Aquis mega-resort.

The Weekend Post has been briefed on possibilities for the council carpark on the corner of Hartley and Kenny streets.

Singapore’s Aspial Corporation is buying the land opposite the Cairns Convention Centre for $8.05 million. It adjoins its 24,000sq m site on Bunda and Spence streets on which it plans a $400 million project of seven highrise residential and commercial towers with up to 1500 apartments.

A businessman with knowledge of the proposal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the public company had “deep pockets” and wanted to build something with a “wow factor”.

“They want to provide an attraction that will complement Aquis,’’ he said.

“It will be something different, something not seen in Cairns before, something we don’t yet have.’’

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The businessman said it would be modelled on an attraction that was built in conjunction with the $4.7 billion Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and casino in Singapore.

He said Aspial would be assessing what had been built at Marina Bay and it would be of a scale worthy of the site.

The businessman said nothing had been decided and it was in the early stages of consideration.

Attractions at Marina Bay include an art science museum and Gardens by the Bay.

He said it would have to be a project to attract tourists and visitors.

The businessman said Aspial’s first priority was obtaining building approval for the first stage of Central Park in Spence St, a residential tower.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Deb Hancock said it was an exciting proposal which would complement, not compete with, existing attractions.

“We need something different from other destinations. We already have the Reef and rainforest and now we need something unique,’’ she said.

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