David Marriner

David Marriner is an property developer and theatre owner, based in Melbourne, Australia.

His career began in the 1980s with property investments and developments, including the Cumberland Centre in the seaside town of Lorne.^[1] In 1986, he purchased the historic but languishing Princess Theatre in Spring Street, restoring and upgrading it to be suitable for the large scale musicals then gaining popularity overseas. The theatre reopened on 9 December 1989 with the musical Les Misérables, followed by The Phantom of the Opera.^[2]

Through the 1990s Marriner was involved in various high profile developments in the Melbourne central city, notably complex deals with the State Government and the City of Melbourne involving the Queen Victoria Hospital site, and the redevelopment of the City Square. The latter project saw his development company build the Westin Hotel and apartments on half the old Square site, and restore and then manage the adjacent Regent Theatre, which had been abandoned for 20 years. The theatre became another venue for large scale musicals, opening in 1996. In 1995 he bought the historic Forum cinema nearby, and in 1996 the historic Comedy theatre, owning four out of the six historic theatres known as Melbourne's East End theatre district.^[3] Since at least 2017, David's son Jason Marriner has been the CEO of the Marriner Group, which manages the theatres.^[4] The company was greatly affected by the Covid lockdowns.^[5]

David Marriner has also invested in Queensland resorts.^[6]

He has frequently been in the news for his deals, proposals, and court cases.^{[7][8][9][10]}

References

1. "DAVID MARRINER". Australian Financial Review. 6 April 1990. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
2. "Princess Theatre | Marriner Group". marrinergroup.com.au. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
3. Myer, Rod (22 February 2003). "Marriner plays lead role in his property deals spectacular". The Age. Retrieved 14 October 2017.
4. Johnstone, Rose (6 September 2017). "A first look at the newly renovated Forum Theatre". Time Out Melbourne. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
5. Sambul, Najma (2 March 2024). "When Harry Potter and Moulin Rouge shut down, it cost this company $35m". The Age. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
6. Pallisco, Marc (11 April 2011). "David Marriner Pays $35 Million For Port Douglas Sheraton Mirage". realestatesource. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
7. "Marriner plays lead role in his property deals spectacular". The Age. 22 February 2003. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
8. "Developer to sue council over airport issue". ABC News. 20 May 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
9. Vedelago, Chris (12 October 2013). "Marriner in new legal fight". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 October 2017.
10. Lindsay, Nicole (15 November 2016). "Forum under renovation as tower plans on ice". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 April 2024.