Final elements of Shellharbour Marina near completion

30-Year project enters its last stage with the wind in its sails

After a process spanning more than 30 years, the final elements of the Shellharbour Marina at The Waterfront, Shell Cove community are underway.

The project by Shellharbour City Council, with Frasers Property Australia saw the excavation of more than 1 million cubic metres of soil and rock, the remediation of the site and construction of the 12-hectare new harbour, along with the 467m breakwater, 280m long groyne and approximately 2.6km of surrounding boardwalk, promenades and shared paths.

The new harbour provides much needed direct blue water access to the Pacific Ocean and is a focal point for The Waterfront, Shell Cove.

And the precinct is already proving a major drawcard for the area, with Shellharbour City Council statistics showing an increase in visitors of almost 30% between May and July 2022 and May and July 2023. 

Final works began this month, with the addition of 10 ‘fingers’ to the existing marina walkway to accommodate 20 new 12m berths, one 30m berth for larger vessels, four 18m berths and one 14m berth.

These new berths are expected to be ready by the end of November, with an additional 95 berths, ranging from 12m to 25m in length, to be completed by April 2024.

In addition, floating pontoons will be placed in the harbour via the existing heavy lift platform followed by the installation of services pillars for electricity and water, lighting, firefighting systems and life buoys.

When the work is complete it will mark the end of what has been a complex and multi-faceted infrastructure project designed to redress a shortage of recreational boating facilities in the region. 

The recent opening of the adjacent Marina Services Centre saw the addition of a publicly accessible green space, public amenities, ensuites, laundry and customer lounge to the range of facilities available to marina users.

Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer says when the final berths are installed it will be a significant moment for the Shell Cove community, which is already home to over 9,500 residents.

“This represents an enormous volume of work from the teams at Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property over more than 30 years on what is the jewel in the crown of this beautiful development,” Mr Homer says.

“Shell Cove Harbour is already a major focal point for the region, for aquatic recreation, boaties and non-boaties alike. It’s the backdrop to many of our events, including the current Sculpture Walk installation, and just a serene and enjoyable place to be.”

Mathew Gulliver, Development Director, Shell Cove says the completion of the marina coincides with the first opportunity for buyers to build harbourfront homes at The Waterfront, Shell Cove.

The most recent land lot release includes the first ever lots fronting the harbour. These lots, within The Peninsula precinct nestled between the harbour and the beach, will be sold via Expression of Interest closing on Monday 6th November 2023. 

The lots have been approved for houses up to three storeys in height and will feature private elevated backyards only separated from the harbour by the boardwalk.

“These lots will be the opportunity for buyers to build their dream homes overlooking this incredible Shellharbour asset and we expect they’ll attract a price commensurate with their location,” Mr Gulliver says.

The lots are likely to exceed the pricing already achieved within the precinct of $2.98 million.

People can register their interest by contacting Frasers Property Australia on 13 38 38, via www.thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au or by visiting The Waterfront Sales Centre.