Project Update
We know many of you have been keen for an update on Sophia Park, and we’re excited to share that construction is now underway in 2026.
As part of The Shell Cove Project – a collaboration between Council and Frasers Property Australia - works are progressing on Sophia Park and new pedestrian bridges that will improve connections between Shell Cove and Shellharbour Village.
Construction at Sophia Park is now underway, with the site established and safety fencing in place. Access from Darley Street is temporarily closed while works are underway, but a temporary pedestrian pathway from Old Bass Point Road to Whimbrel Terrace remains open. The park itself will stretch from Darley Street up to Whimbrel Terrace, creating a vibrant, multi-generational space for the community.
Once complete, Sophia Park will include a playground, fitness equipment, half basketball court with futsal goal, seating, picnic areas, public toilets and a community garden with a dementia-friendly planting area. The new pedestrian bridges will provide safer and easier walking connections between Shell Cove and Shellharbour Village, complemented by new paths, lighting and landscaping.
These works are part of broader upgrades to parks, open space and foreshore areas around the harbour, building on recent improvements to beach access, paths and road connections. We’ll continue sharing updates as the project progresses, and thank the community for their patience and enthusiasm as Sophia Park takes shape.
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The DA modifications for the playground were submitted by Frasers in mid-2024 and approved by Council. This project is part of the Shell Cove development, a collaboration between Council and Frasers Property Australia. Work is anticipated to begin in 2025. Planned improvements include reconfiguring the wetlands, additional open space with play equipment, a half basketball court, public amenities, a community garden, enhanced landscaping and lighting. The design includes two bridges for pedestrians and cyclists, one of which will provide a link over Sophia Park and the other which will link to Mary Street.
FAQs
Sophia Park is being upgraded as part of The Shell Cove Project (a project agreed between Council and Frasers Property Australia under a development agreement )
The proposed design will include;
- Play space for different age groups
- Active zone for multi-generational users
- Community Garden
- Wetlands
- Connection link: Footpaths and two proposed pedestrian bridges will link Shell Cove to the Village, located at Sophia Street/Whimbrel Terrace and Mary Street/Nautica Crescent.
Yes, Frasers have allowed space for the relocation of Shell Cove Community Garden to Sophia Park, within the proposed DA Modification.
Council will liaise with Shell Cove Community Garden representatives to finalise the design of the space, following Council’s adopted Community Gardens Policy.
Yes, here is a plan for the proposed footpath network for Sophia Park.
This map demonstrates the important role Sophia Park is currently playing and will continue to play in providing active transport routes (ie pedestrian/cycleways) between the Village and Shell Cove.
A pedestrian bridge will be installed linking Sophia Street in the Village to Whimbrel Terrace in Shell Cove.
An additional pedestrian bridge is also proposed, connecting Mary Street to Nautica Crescent.
Frasers Property Group and Council will work together in keeping the community updated about the project, via Let's Chat, social media, letterbox drop and signboards/notices on site.
As part of the Shell Cove Project, three new playgrounds are being constructed and one existing playground renewed.
The play space upgrades and additions aim to cater to various age groups and abilities, providing enjoyable, creative, and engaging play experiences that vary at each location.
Background
Sophia Park sits on the edge of the Village and Shell Cove, providing a link between the two suburbs. This Park is a popular thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists. The Park currently consists of a large grassland area that houses a small swing set.
The location will cater for a range of uses with lots of different user groups;
- Play space for different age groups
- Active zone for multi-generational users
- Community garden
- Wetlands
- Connective link - Footpaths and pedestrian bridge from Shell Cove to the Village.
How was the concept plan created?
In 2017, DA approval was given for the below design, with a focus on passive and environmental design with a small playground space and useable community space and pedestrian bridge.
Image: Concept Plan
- DA Approved 2017
The DA modification has been approved, incorporating advancements in stormwater technology that have led to a redesign of Sophia Park (see updated concept design below). The improved layout of the wetlands now allows for an expanded use of both passive and active community spaces. These changes enhance the park’s design to better serve the community’s needs.
Image: Proposed DA
modification 2023
Past feedback
