The centre will not be built on this green space at Shell Cove. Photo: Supplied.
Shellharbour City Council has scrapped plans to build the Waterfront Centre Project on a prime parcel of green land at Shell Cove, bowing to strong community feedback in favour of preserving the open space.
Instead, council will explore new sites for the long-promised multipurpose community facility, as the area’s priorities evolve with its growing population and their desire to protect the limited green spaces remaining in the area.
Classed as ‘Location A’, the parcel of land overlooking the marina was one option as a site for the centre but was put on hold in December in response to a community survey that revealed a shift in community and development priorities for the area.
At a recent council meeting, councillors unanimously voted to support the recommendation to not build on the land, with work already underway on a review of alternative locations and options.
Those locations include newly acquired vacant land (Location B) at the entrance of the Waterfront Town Centre, and a potential creative and cultural precinct in Shellharbour Village, which may involve redeveloping the existing Roo Theatre and library sites.
A new hub plans to include a library, Visitor Information Centre, community spaces and public amenities.
In moving the motion, Cr Rob Petreski said council had committed to listening to the community, which overwhelmingly said it wanted open space, flexibility, and to keep the land accessible and free from development.
“There is real value in protecting and enhancing spaces that bring people together without a price tag,” Cr Petreski said.
“We must ensure that the community not only has access to land, but ownership of it in a public and meaningful sense.
“Of course, the broader needs of the community haven’t gone away.
“Many people bought into Shell Cove with the promise that there will be a community centre and library in that vicinity.”
Cr Petreski said in light of that, he supported ongoing work in finding a more suitable location.
He said some of the developer contributions set aside for the project would be lost, but the majority remained available for reinvestment in other community focused initiatives.
“We can and should make smart, sustainable decisions about how these future funds are used, and looking at alternate sites is also part of that,” he said.
“This isn’t a step back, but it’s a step towards a more community centred, transparent and responsible approach to planning.
“By preserving this space as open community land, we’re protecting not just the patch of grass, but the character, liveability and public ownership of Shell Cove’s waterfront.”
The two Waterfront Centre locations being proposed. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Cr John Davey applauded council for having started the process of landscaping for Location A, and work progressing on finding a new location.
“With the study that’s underway, looking for what we should actually be doing in terms of our theatre, our library and site options … perhaps relocating some of these services into the village, I think, would be a much better fit,” he said.
“That leaves us with Site B, and we have numerous options there that we can canvas from development through to sales.”
Mayor Chris Homer said the decision reflected council’s commitment to listening to the community and adapting to changing needs after the community was able to see the tangible effects of infrastructure in the area and loss of green spaces.
“This project has been on the table for some time. In that time the area has evolved, and we want to make sure we have the right mix for current and future community needs,” Cr Homer said.
“Fortunately for us, there are a number of options there, including Site B.
“I know there’s commentary here on Shellharbour Village, and the potential of that creative and cultural precinct in the village … which is great news.
“That’s basically a pay it forward of the resources and equity that’s coming from this decision tonight.
“This isn’t the end of the conversation.”
He said it was about taking a long-term strategic view with the decision ensuring they provided flexibility and value for the community now and into the future.
An amendment to the motion by Cr Petresky to reclassify Location A and an adjacent patch of land as community land was unsuccessful, but will be looked at again in the future.
The land will remain in council ownership and will be incorporated into the area’s recreation and green space.
