STAY, play, explore.

This is the new mantra of the Abell Point Marina which was re-branded this week.

On Tuesday night, marina owner Paul Darrouzet introduced his vision for the future of the precinct to tourist operators and commercial tenants at a function that also showcased the recently refurbished southern marina offices.

Mr Darrouzet updated the crowd with a progress report of the ongoing works which are continuing to transform and modernise the place.

He said much of the underground work was now complete with the Port Cochere's (entry) expected to be installed beside the south village offices and car park in a matter of weeks.

Meanwhile, dredging in the marina will start in April and is expected to be finished by November.

Mr Darrouzet has applied to the Whitsunday Regional Council for a material change of use to create two helipads and just last week, his application to upgrade "the walk of shame" between the north and south villages, was approved.

He said his vision for the north village was to create "a piece of Port Douglas", with plans for a larger balcony to be built at the Sorrento Restaurant and Bar and expansions for Paddons On The Water cafe.

Mr Darrouzet stressed his developments were not a "real estate play" but instead "all about having a fat old time in the Whitsundays" and improving customer experience so that visitors wanted to come back.

With the assistance of speeches and presentations by his marketing and business development manager Luke McCaul and creative agent Nick Pritchard, Mr Darrouzet encouraged his tenants to come along for the ride.

He said he wanted Abell Point to become the "marina of choice", from which everyone would benefit because "a rising tide lifts all boats".