The colourful shopping centre, frequented by the rich and famous, will go to the market this week in an international expressions of interest campaign, leaving off any announcement of a price tag as yet.

The Main Beach precinct, which has 103 tenants including exclusive boutiques, top-notch brands and waterfront restaurants, was expected to attract widespread interest, said Colliers International’s Stewart Gilchrist.

It’s tipped that investors from booming Asian countries like India, China and South Korea will look closely at the property.

Mr Gilchrist said the recent sale of the Sheraton Mirage to Delhi-based Pearls, which picked up the resort for $62.5 million, was a ‘clear sign’ overseas investors were willing to spend in the area.

“We expect to attract huge interest both locally and internationally, mainly from Asia,” said Mr Gilchrist.

“There is significant capital from both local and global institutions now looking for placement, and with a lack of quality stock available nationally, we are confident Marina Mirage will create strong market activity, and be one of the first big retail investment market tests of 2010.”

Marina Mirage’s owner Fenix Real Estate (formerly Ticor Developments) splashed out $40 million on the property in 2005.

The group then spent more than that improving its facilities — the first makeover since failed tycoon Christopher Skase opened the centre in 1988.

Mr Skase built the precinct to cater for guests staying at the Sheraton Mirage.

Fenix bought the precinct from a trust linked to MFS Diversified (now GEO Property Group).

Mr Gilchrist said the fully leased net income represented about $8 million.

The 1.87km precinct, home to the regular Farmers Markets, has 720 carparks and its tenants include Hermes, Max & Co., Charlie Brown and Mimco.

Foodies enjoy the choices offered by Fellini, Glass Restaurant & Bar, Cafe Marina, Omeros Brothers and Max Brenner’s, among others.

Mr Gilchrist said the Pearls purchase, along with the expansion of the Marina Mirage boating precinct, made the area more attractive.

Pearls plans to take Sheraton Mirage back to its former glory, much like Fenix did with Marina Mirage.

“There is no other spot like it and a lot of money is being spent in the area,” said Mr Gilchrist.

Jones Lang LaSalle’s Simon Rooney and Jacob Swan are marketing the property with Mr Gilchrist.