Reported recently in the Cairns Post, a new marina with more than 200 berths, five commercial towers and a maritime commercial precinct at Portsmith are on the drawing board as part of the Cityport South project.

Plans show the project – which will extend from the Hilton Cairns to the Cairns Convention Centre – will also feature a cruise liner terminal, view corridors, waterfront boardwalk, open plaza and extensive landscaping.

The wharf’s sheds are set to be updated within heritage guidelines by the extensive use of glass and steel.

Industry sources say it will cost at least $1 billion for the Trinity Wharf redevelopment but it is not known what the value of the Portsmith precinct will be. CPA chief executive officer Brad Geatches said the residential towers would be of "staggered heights up to 10 storeys" and have retail outlets and restaurants at ground level.

"Developers will be required to build in pre-defined shapes to retain sight lines along city streets to the inlet," he said.

The marina element is set to be built at the trawler base site near Tingara St at Portsmith on a 25ha parcel of land.

Mr Geatches said while trawlers would be catered for there was a need to provide facilities for the growing number of leisure boat users, some of whom have been priced out of Marlin Marina.

"It will be much more affordable for private boaties," he said.

Mr Geatches said a linking boardwalk and promenade would give the general public use of the foreshore and wharf for the first time in decades.

Towards the convention centre end of the project, another precinct will act as a transitional zone from the public to the industrial part of the port.

"Possible uses include a fish market, chandleries and maritime-related suppliers," Mr Geatches said

Mr Geatches said the main section of Cityport South would be completed next year.