J Hutchinson Pty Ltd’s John Koumoukelis, Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer, Tara Moriarty MLC, and Anna Watson MP at the Shellharbour Boathouse ground-breaking. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Construction of the purpose-built marine facility, the Shellharbour Boathouse, has begun, anchoring a broader vision to establish Shell Cove as a high-quality maritime, tourism and recreational destination.
Located at the entry to the marina at 15 Maritime Drive, it’s part of the Shell Cove Boat Harbour Precinct and Shell Cove’s growing marine industry.
The long-awaited marine services hub will support recreational and commercial boating along the NSW South Coast, all in one place.
Once completed, the facility will provide secure dry-stack storage for vessels up to 10 metres in length, large- and small-boat maintenance facilities, jet washing, workshop operations, retail, office spaces to support marine and tourism businesses, and car parking.
Jointly funded by Shellharbour City Council’s contribution of more than $20 million and the NSW Government’s $10 million, it will create employment during construction and support 77 new long-term jobs in marine services and tourism once operational.
It’s also expected to attract increased private investment and enhance the region’s capacity to host major national and international events.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Shellharbour Boathouse was set to become a leading marine tourism hub on the NSW coast.
Location for the future Shellharbour Boathouse. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
“This is a strong example of how targeted investment can unlock regional economic growth, while enhancing local tourism and marine capability,” Ms Moriarty said.
“By partnering with Shellharbour City Council to deliver the purpose-built marine hub, the NSW Government is supporting infrastructure that will strengthen recreational and commercial boating in the region, create jobs, and provide long-term employment opportunities once the facility is operational.”
She said she was looking forward to seeing Shellharbour Boathouse “driving year-round visitation” and “stimulating local businesses”.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the boathouse would strengthen Shellharbour as a fully equipped marine destination.
“The start of construction of the Shellharbour Boathouse is an important milestone for Shell Cove and our boating community,” Cr Homer said.
“This facility means local vessel owners will no longer need to travel outside the region for storage, maintenance or repairs.
“It brings essential marine services together in one place while supporting tourism, recreation and economic growth across our city.”
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said seeing construction underway was a welcome step forward for the Shellharbour community.
“The boathouse precinct will deliver many new jobs, support local operators and give our harbour the facilities it needs to attract visitors, events and activity that flow directly into local businesses and the broader region.”
The construction contract was awarded to J Hutchinson Pty Ltd in December, and the facility is expected to be open to the public in mid-2027.
