Summary
Location: 200 Harbour Boulevard, Shell Cove
Timeframe: Early 2028
Funding: Shellharbour City Council & NSW Government's Level the Playing Field Program
About the Project
The Shell Cove Sport and Recreation Facility is located on the southern edge of the award-winning Shell Cove development.
The sportsfield will provide a modern, accessible and high-quality sporting facility that meets the needs of the growing Shellharbour community.
Identified in Council's S7.11 Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 the Shell Cove Sportsfield is a long-planned a multipurpose open space facility project located at 200 Harbour Boulevard, 300 metres from the Shellharbour Marina Boat ramp. The Shell Cove Sportsfield has been carefully planned over many years to provide new, high-quality open space for the growing Shell Cove community. Developed through close collaboration between Council, local sporting clubs and design specialists, the project reflects a shared vision to create a vibrant and welcoming community sporting precinct.
Over the years, Council has worked with local sporting clubs, stakeholders and design specialists to develop a facility that meets the community's current and future sporting and recreation needs.
The project has since progressed through planning, design and funding milestones, including securing support through the NSW Government's Level the Playing Field Program. With detailed design complete and a construction contractor appointed, the project is now moving into the delivery phase.
The new sportsfield has been primarily allocated for AFL and Cricket, while still being designed with the flexibility to accommodate a range of other sporting codes. The project includes:
• Multi-use playing field
• Sportsfield lighting
• Versatile sportsfield amenities for men's and women's sport
• Accessible toilets
• On-site parking
Once complete, the Shell Cove Sportsfield will provide much-needed active open space for the growing Shell Cove community and create a long-term home for local AFL and Cricket clubs.
Getting There
The Shell Cove Sportsfield will be easy to access by car and public transport. A dedicated public car park with approximately 86 spaces will be provided within the complex, with additional on-street parking available along Harbour Boulevard. A nearby bus stop within walking distance of the site will also provide convenient public transport access for players, officials and visitors.
Timeline
Detailed project design - Complete
Council has partnered with Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects and their sub-consultant team to progress the projects design to 100% detailed design, forming the basis for procurement of a Construction Builder.
Construction Tender - Commenced January 2026
Council is completing tender documentation for the Shell Cove Sportsfield readying to commence the procurement of a specialist contractor to complete the construction of the Shell Cove Sportsfield.
Construction Tender Negotiations - Commenced March 2026
Council is completing negotiations with construction tenderers to achieve a beneficial outcome for the project's construction, ensuring a cost effective and efficient outcome for the project.
Early Works Construction – Commencement September 2026
Following the successful award of a specialist contractor will construct the projects early works.
Main Works Construction – Expected completion end of 2027
Construction of the main sportsfield infrastructure is expected to be completed by August 2027. Following completion, the playing field will be maintained and established over the remainder of the year to ensure it is ready for safe and sustainable community use when the facility opens in early 2028.
Opening - Expected Early 2028
Helpful documents
View the Concept Site Plan
View the Transport Assessment
View the Review of Environmental Factors
FAQs
How is this project being funded?
The project is funded through S7.11 development contributions collected by Shellharbour Council as part of the Shell Cove Development. The project also received $2 million in grant funding from the NSW Government's Level the Playing Field Program.
When will construction happen?
Construction is earmarked to start in 2026.
What sports will be played here?
This is a multisport facility that has been allocated towards serving the future needs of local AFL and cricket. The field construction will feature a versatile design to allow other sporting codes to also utilise the field when available. Bookings will be available on Councils website once the project is completed.
How long will construction take?
The construction time is heavily dependent on weather and will require time to allow the turf cricket wicket to settle. The estimated time for construction is 12-15months.
Are there any environmental impacts and how will they be managed?
A review of environmental factors (REF) will be undertaken, which will identify any impacts the project may have on the environment and how they will be managed.
How will noise, dust and environmental impacts be managed during construction?
The contractor is required to comply with strict environmental and safety controls. Measures include dust suppression, noise management, sediment controls and designated work zones to ensure minimal impact on the Harbour environment and nearby residents.
Will there be public car parking as part of the project?
Yes. The Shell Cove Sportsfield will be easy to access by car and public transport. A dedicated public car park with approximately 86 spaces will be provided within the complex, with additional on-street parking available along Harbour Boulevard. A nearby bus stop within walking distance of the site will also provide convenient public transport access for players, officials and visitors.