The circus’ Asia-Pacific general manager Greg Hall said the Port Macquarie site was almost revered in the performing arts circles.

“It is acknowledged as one of the best five sites in Australia,” he said.

“It’s a focal point for those that present events.”

Mr Hall said the Great Moscow Circus would visit more than 50 cities and towns on its regional tour and Port Macquarie ranked among the best.

“Firstly, it’s a scenic site,” he said.

“You are not hemmed in by anything. It’s nice and open and from an operational point of view it offers easy access, high visibility and it has a really good feel about it.”

Mr Hall said he wouldn’t like to see any future foreshore development in Port Macquarie encroach on the popular open space.

“I wouldn’t like to see it change too much,” he said. “The great thing about this ground is that it attracts attractions. I wouldn’t like to see any encroachment on the ability for people to get to a venue or into the shows. I hope the planners consider that.”

A draft foreshore plan, covering the area from Town Beach to Quality Resort Sails, aims to improve the waterfront into the future.

Port Macquarie Marina operator Ariadne Australia is proposing a $20 million development on a 2.37ha piece of Crown land between the marina and Westport Park.

Ariadne, as preferred tenderer for the site, is planning a five-storey boat storage facility and car park.

A modified plan, instigated by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, proposes a three-storey dry dock boat storage facility masked by a “sleeve” of retail and tourist accommodation. It is on public exhibition until November 7.

Organisers of Ironman Australia Triathlon Port Macquarie have been briefed by the council and Ariadne about the plans.

The chairman of the local organising committee, Greg Laws, said he was taking it “on a year-by-year” basis.

“Naturally, if it goes ahead we will lose some water space (where additional marine berths are planned),” he said.

“We have looked at an alternate swim course anyway. We’re not getting too fazed about it as yet.”