Executive Director Infrastructure Services Ben Stewart, NSW Government Economic Development Manager Illawarra Shoalhaven Leanne Smith, Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer, CEO Wayde Peterson, and Hutchinson Builders’ John Koumoukelis and Max Elmes at the official contract award announcement. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour’s long-awaited boathouse is one step closer to rising on the waterfront, with council officially awarding the construction contract and signalling the start of a project set to reshape the Shell Cove precinct.
The purpose-built Shellharbour Boathouse will anchor new jobs, marine maintenance services, retail and tourism activity, strengthening the region’s status as a standout coastal destination.
J Hutchinson Pty Ltd was officially awarded the construction contract this week (8 December), and will lead the delivery of the facility in partnership with Shellharbour City Council.
It’s jointly funded by council and the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund Round 2.
Its submission was one of three received, with tenders closed in August and councillors moving a motion in September to negotiate directly with J Hutchison to refine the project scope and finalise and execute the contract.
Feedback from these workshops was incorporated into the final design documentation.
Key features of the boathouse include dry boat storage for vessels up to 10 m in length, large and small boat maintenance facilities, workshops, retail, and office spaces to support marine and tourism businesses, and carparking.
Mayor Chris Homer said council was committed to delivering infrastructure that benefited the community and drove regional growth.
“Council’s endorsement of the boathouse project is a significant step forward for Shell Cove and our boating community,” Cr Homer said.
“This facility will be a valuable asset for residents and visitors alike, supporting recreation, tourism, and economic development across the region.”
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said the Shellharbour Boathouse would create real opportunities for the Shellharbour community and surrounding region.
“This facility will deliver immediate construction jobs and long-term benefits such as more tourism, more trade, and more reasons for people to spend time and money in the area,” Ms Moriarty said.
“It’s a smart investment that will help the community grow and thrive.”
During the September council meeting, councillor Kellie Marsh said the boathouse had been a dream and was now becoming a reality for the community.
“This is part of the big picture and the big puzzle with Shell Cove,” Cr Marsh said.
“It’s always been about the boathouse bringing employment and new industry to Shellharbour, which is greatly needed.
“There aren’t a lot of facilities where people can go and get some of these works undertaken on their boat.”
During that meeting, councillor John Davey praised the inclusion of a 75-tonne boat lift, enabling comprehensive marine maintenance services previously unavailable in the Shellharbour area.
“It’s a welcome asset as it goes forward into production and creation,” Cr Davey said.
“With a fully completed boathouse, it just lifts the efficacy of the marina.”
Councillor Rob Petreski said the marina was a complex operation and the boathouse would play an integral part in servicing and maintaining boats housed in the marina.
“Currently, if boats are over a certain size, they need to go elsewhere to get that service done,” Cr Petreski said.
“If we can provide this service here in-house, it will provide jobs and it will provide an ongoing industry for our local residents in our community.”
