An aerial shot of the revamped Reddall Reserve promenade at Lake Illawarra. Photo: Michael Boyle Photography.
One of Shellharbour’s most popular beachside attractions has received a “stunning” makeover just in time for spring.
The new Reddall Reserve promenade features improved foreshore seating, increased pedestrian accessibility and greater connection to the wider reserve.
It also incorporates an environmentally friendly seawall design that helps to provide an intertidal habitat for marine life.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque alongside the promenade, with the help of Planning Minister and Wollongong MP Paul Scully and Shellharbour MP Anna Watson.
Cr Homer said he was thrilled with the new promenade and congratulated council staff on its delivery.
“The new promenade is absolutely stunning. It’s a beautiful outdoor space that will benefit Shellharbour City residents as well as visitors to the area,” he said.
“The old promenade was very popular with locals and tourists but had unfortunately reached the end of its life. Over time, it had experienced storm and weather damage. Many sections were at beach level and became covered by sand, making it inaccessible.
“The new promenade creates a safe, accessible space and continuous walking area along the foreshore.”
The design incorporated community feedback identified in the Reddall Reserve Masterplan.
The council received a $3 million contribution for the project as part of the NSW Government Public Open Spaces Legacy Program.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer, Planning Minister Paul Scully and Shellharbour MP Anna Watson cut the ribbon to open the new promenade.
Mr Scully, also Minister for Public Spaces, said the new promenade would be welcomed by locals as a revitalisation had been overdue.
“I’m so pleased to be able to join the opening as I know how important this renewed space is for the Shellharbour community,” he said.
More than 100 public open-space projects across NSW were approved as part of a $250m legacy program launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to keep the broader economy moving and bolster the construction industry.
To access the funding, Shellharbour City Council was required to demonstrate improvements in development assessment timeframes and enhanced processes to help reduce red tape when processing development applications.
“The renewal of the promenade was identified during community consultation for council’s Reddall Reserve Masterplan, with staff working to secure NSW State Government funding,” Cr Homer said.
“Getting the funding was a collaborative effort by many teams across council and I thank them for their hard work and expertise.
“I also want to sincerely thank the NSW Government for its significant contribution and support.
“The new promenade will significantly improve one of the city’s most popular outdoor spaces for the benefit of our whole community.”
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