Long Beach plans to reimagine about 43 acres of undeveloped property surrounding the Queen Mary into a mixed-use entertainment venue.
The City released some details about those plans in a status update of the historic cruise ship, about one year after it reopened to the public following extensive repairs and a prolonged closure.
The future of the Queen Mary and the adjacent Harry Bridges Memorial Park will be heavily dependent on the continued growth of entertainment and live music experiences, the City says, and the waterfront is considered to be one of the most lucrative and important locations for future development in all of Southern California.
Long Beach is currently working on plans to create a temporary amphitheater on the waterfront, which it says will provide a unique concert venue and help meet the demands of concert promoters in the area. It’s also expected to generate additional revenue for the City.
A formal study will be conducted to evaluate the viability of a permanent amphitheater structure, as well as a marina and improved cruise terminal.
The City says it also intends on demolishing and paving over the nearby English Village, which was built in the 1970s and previously held shops and other tourist attractions, but is currently “vacant and dilapidated.” Other unused structures will also be removed.
It’s not the first time that development has been pitched for the waterfront and the area surrounding the Queen Mary.
In the 1990s, then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner announced plans for a multibillion-dollar theme park, including six hotels, shopping and dining districts, and a ship port for the Disney Cruise Line.
Those plans were ultimately scrapped.
Years later, Urban Commons, the most recent lessee of the ship, unveiled plans for its own development project that would create a 65-acre entertainment district called Queen Mary Island. According to the Long Beach Business Journal, it would’ve included a “2,400-foot boardwalk, a 200-room hotel, shops and restaurants, and ‘adventure’ entertainment such as an ice climbing wall, zipline and skydiving simulator.”
Urban Commons eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2021, which led to Long Beach taking over control of the ship for the first time in 40 years. City officials say the Queen Mary is “thriving” under its stewardship.
The historical landmark was closed to the public during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and remained closed during dozens of major construction and repair projects that the city says will help ensure the ship is structurally sound and safe for guests for years to come.
Since reopening, the Queen Mary’s financial struggles began to take a turn for the better.
After the major expenses brought on by repairs, there was little revenue when it reopened, officials said. But since the end of the 2023 fiscal year, the ship has seen an average positive earnings of about $300,000 per month.
Hotel capacity has doubled from 100 guestrooms to 200 and new adaptive pricing models allow for more affordable stays during the less-busy times of year. Tours and other experiences have since returned, with more on the way, and locals can now visit free of charge on designated “community days.”
The City also plans to renovate a large section of the ship’s sundeck, which is often used for special events and weddings, and it says that will generate additional revenue immediately following completion.
“The Queen Mary can now support operating expenses with regular operating revenue; all generated revenue is being invested back into the ship and vicinity,” the City said.
City officials expect the hotel, attractions and special events, as well as the Carnival Dome and its parking structures, to generate more than $7 million in profit in the 2024 fiscal year.
“This forecast takes into consideration continued expenses that support the phased reopening and expansion of the ship, and projects even stronger earnings in the subsequent years ahead,” the City said.
Continued preservation and increased revenue streams will continue to be a focus for both the city of Long Beach and Evolution Hospitality, the managing partner of the Queen Mary.
“This iconic landmark holds a special place in the hearts of Long Beach residents and visitors alike, and we are committed to ensuring its continued success and preservation,” said Long Beach City Councilwoman Mary Zendejas.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said the Queen Mary and the adjacent land has a “brighter future” with plans for future development that will “further elevate its status as a premier tourist destination.”