Summary
Project Name: “Shellharbour Boathouse” Boat maintenance, retail, tourism and commercial facility.
Project Address: Located next to the public boat ramp, 15 Maritime Drive, Shell Cove
Expected Completion date: Mid-2027
About the Shellharbour Boathouse
The Shellharbour Boathouse is a landmark addition to the Shell Cove Waterfront Precinct, designed as a purpose-built marine services hub that supports the growing recreational and commercial boating community across the NSW South Coast. Positioned at the entry of the Shell Cove Marina, the Boathouse brings together modern vessel storage, haul-out and maintenance capability, creating a functional and welcoming maritime tourism destination.
Key features of the Boathouse include:
• Enclosed and secure Dry-stack boat storage accommodating vessels up to 10 metres
• Dedicated haul-out infrastructure and hard stand maintenance area for vessels up to 30 metres including jet-washing and servicing capability
• Office, retail and workshop spaces for marine-related trades and services
• Onsite parking for easy access
Once completed the project will create employment opportunities and provide a full suite of boat maintenance and storage opportunities, helping connect commercial and recreational boating opportunities along the east coast.
Project Stages
Funding Announcement - Completed
Council secured $10,000,000 from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund Round 2.
Development Approval - Complete
Specialist studies and approvals have been completed. These include Development Applications, Environmental Impact Statements, and other specialist reports.
Detailed design 80% – Complete
Council, BKA Architecture and the full consultant team have progressed the project to 80% detailed design, forming the basis for procurement and final design development.
Letter of Award – Complete
Council has formally awarded the Design and Construct contract to J Hutchinson Pty Ltd (Hutchinson Builders), a specialist commercial builder engaged to finalise the design and construct the Shellharbour Boathouse.
Design Finalisation - Expected Completion March 2026
Site investigation works will commence on 24 November 2025 to support the finalisation of the design. Once complete, the project will obtain a Construction Certificate, enabling construction to commence.
Construction - Expected Completion June 2027
Following design completion, full construction of the Shellharbour Boathouse will commence early April. This stage includes delivery of all buildings, dry-stack storage systems, marine infrastructure, public domain works, and associated services.
Opening - Expected July 2027
The Shellharbour Boathouse is anticipated to open to the public in July 2027, offering new marine servicing, storage, and visitor facilities to the Shell Cove Waterfront Precinct.
FAQs
When will construction happen?
Early investigation works will commence 24 November and full Construction works will commence early April.
Will there be interruptions to the boat ramp and footpath during construction?
There will be limited interruptions to the public promenade or boat ramp. If any interruptions are required, these will be communicated prior.
What boats will be able to be stored at the dry stack facility once the project is completed?
The dry-stack system is designed to accommodate vessels up to 10 metres in length. The racking layout provides storage for a minimum of 120 boats within a secure, enclosed structure.
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 public parking still be available once the Boathouse is complete?
Yes. The Boathouse includes a dedicated public use carpark designed to service visitors, customers, and users of the Waterfront Precinct.