Views expected from Vela Apartments. Photos: Supplied.
An olive tree now crowns the twin Vela Apartments towers at Shellharbour Marina, with the traditional topping out ceremony marking a milestone for the luxury development and the continuing transformation of The Waterfront, Shell Cove.
Vela Apartments is the latest in high-rise accommodation options available in the area, with luxury apartment buildings Ancora and Nautilus opened last November, and Crowne Plaza Shell Cove planned to open soon.
To celebrate, builder Binah hosted the traditional ceremony, placing an olive tree at the highest point of the structure to symbolise longevity, resilience, and abundance.
With the first Vela residents on track to move in late 2026 to the Quayside Avenue address, the milestone comes as more than half of the 57 architecturally designed, luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments are already sold.
The Waterfront, Shell Cove, is a partnership between Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Australia.
Frasers Property Australia development director Mathew Gulliver said Vela Apartments was a significant residential landmark on the harbour foreshore, which complemented the growing Shell Cove community.
“Vela is the fourth residential apartment development at Shell Cove and its striking architectural presence both complements and contrasts with its surrounds,” Mr Gulliver said.
“Binah is delivering a high-quality addition to Shell Cove and we congratulate them on reaching this major construction milestone ahead of completion next year.”
He said he was appreciative of construction staff, subcontractors and consultants who were “out here in the elements every day working through the challenges and coordinating an unbelievable amount of detail to be able to deliver quality buildings like this”.
“While Vela is a premium product offering, it does contribute to the complex broader housing supply challenges by providing a unique opportunity for downsizers, empty nesters, investors and families seeking low-maintenance living, unlocking new homes within the established market for these buyer segments,” he said.
Part of the topping out ceremony for Vela Apartments.
Binah CEO Khalil Hafza said his team was proud to be building Vela Apartments in partnership with Frasers Property, which was its second major collaboration after working together at Ed.Square in Sydney’s Edmondson Park.
“It’s a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes,” Mr Hafza said.
“We’re building homes that reflect the evolving lifestyle aspirations of buyers — coastal, connected, and crafted to last.”
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer said the ceremony marked an important milestone in the Shell Cove project and the broader city.
“This achievement serves as a reminder to the strength of collaboration,” Cr Homer said.
“Vela is another piece of the puzzle of the Shell Cove harbour taking shape and, as mayor of Shellharbour, I am so excited to look around and see the progress of this development.
“This project is another example of great development opportunities that continue to unlock the potential of Shellharbour City.
“It also provides jobs, growth and further economic opportunities which will in turn help our city to grow into the future.”
Vela incorporates two five-storey residences, with landscaped coastal gardens in a resort-style pool setting.
Remaining luxury apartments range in price from $1,695,000 to $2,325,000 for two-bedroom, two-bathroom and one-car space apartments, and for apartments with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car spaces, prices range from $2,295,000 to $3,225,000.
