As part of the Waterfront Centre, the facilities will include:

• The Shell Cove Library, replacing the small and aging Shellharbour Village Library.
• Flexible areas for functions, meetings, study, reading or workshops
• The Visitors Information Centre (VIC)
• Fully accessible lift
• WiFi and charging stationd for phones and laptops
• Public toilets and baby change facilities
• Public lounge area and indoor seating
• Weather respite in air-conditioned facilities.

Find out more about the Waterfront Centre

The Waterfront Centre is proposed at 2 Waterfront Promenade, near the marina, Crown Plaza, and kids' beach.

The Waterfront Centre was initially located on the corner of Cove and Harbour Boulevard as part of the Shell Cove Master Plan, a major coastal development endorsed by the State Government in 1996. As part of the a modified concept approval in 2019, the Waterfront Centre was located at 2 Waterfront Promenade. The change was in line with the Shellharbour City Libraries and Museum Strategy 2024, The masterplan, led by Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Group features a marina, town centre, and community amenities. The Waterfront Centre is intended to be the community heart of Shell Cove, serving visitors to the waterfront, promenade, playgrounds, and kids' beach.

Over the past 20 years, a lot has changed in Shell Cove and the wider Shellharbour LGA, resulting in varied community feedback about the Waterfront. As the next major milestone approaches, Council has an opportunity to reassess whether the proposed location for the Waterfront Centre still meets the community's needs.

Depending on the location, there may be changes to the design of the building, amount of green space, access to facilities and a change in the overall atmosphere of the area.

The design of the Waterfront Centre will change if a new location is decided. The DA-approved Waterfront Centre was designed specifically for the current location, Location A.

Waterfront Centre design at Location A - Artist Impression

The proposed second location, Location B is yet to be designed.

Waterfront Centre design at Location B - For illustrative purposes only.

Current Location:

The estimated cost of building at Location A is $21m. This includes the bespoke design of the building and land purchase. It will be funded by a mix of developer contributions, loan funding, potential grant funding and Council’s general revenue.

Alternative Location:

Location B has been estimated to cost $15m including the land purchase. The reduction is building costs due to the traditional nature of the design of the building. Similarly, the building would be funded by a mix of developer contributions, loan funding, potential grant funding and Council’s general revenue.

Community feedback will be compiled into a report for the Council. The Mayor and Councillors will make the final decision.

Complete the survey online through Let's Chat

OR

Come to our Drop-in Session! Council staff will be at the Waterfront Town Centre (Location A site) to answer questions and discuss the project on these dates and times:

• Saturday 19 October from 9am to Noon
• Thursday 24 October from 9am to Noon

The Waterfront Centre is proposed at 2 Waterfront Promenade, near the marina, Crown Plaza, and kids' beach.

The Waterfront Centre was initially located on the corner of Cove and Harbour Boulevard as part of the Shell Cove Master Plan, a major coastal development endorsed by the State Government in 1996. As part of the a modified concept approval in 2019, the Waterfront Centre was located at 2 Waterfront Promenade. The change was in line with the Shellharbour City Libraries and Museum Strategy 2024, The masterplan, led by Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Group features a marina, town centre, and community amenities. The Waterfront Centre is intended to be the community heart of Shell Cove, serving visitors to the waterfront, promenade, playgrounds, and kids' beach.

Location A is a prominent location within the Waterfront Town Centre.

• Centrally located overlooking Shellharbour Marina, parklands and the harbourside boardwalk.
• Public toilets and baby change facilities will also service visitors to the green space, boardwalk and kids beach.
• 100m from the current bus stop.
• Potential to generate revenue through casual hire bookings for the function spaces and meeting rooms.
• 843.96m²size lot, with a 480m² building footprint.
• Open areas include lawn for picnics, 48m of seating, shaded spaces, and new garden beds with trees and coastal plants.
• Will reduce the existing outdoor community space by 11% of the total 4,541m2.

https://letschatshellharbour.com/download_file/view/4908/1167

There will be further consultation to understand the community’s needs for this space.

Location B is located on the corner of Cove Blvd and Civic Ave, Shell Cove. It is positioned next to the supermarket car park, close to the bus stop and 100m from the Waterfront promenade.

After the June 2024 Council meeting, the City purchased Location B following endorsement of Council’s first right to purchase as a strategy to increase land holdings within the Waterfront Precinct. It was then identified as a possible alternative for the Waterfront Centre.

Image taken from Google Maps

Location B is at the entrance of the Waterfront Town Centre.

• Located on the corner of Harbour and Cove Boulevard, positioned next to the supermarket car park.
• 1000m2 size lot
• 100m from the harbourside boardwalk.
• Close to public transport, 30m from the Waterfront bus stop, connected by a raised pedestrian crossing.
• The building will not encroach on the existing waterfront green space.
• Community facilities on the ground floor
• Potential to generate revenue from commercial suites on the first floor.

Location B is currently in the preliminary concept phase.

This site will be considered for other opportunities for Council to explore alternative community and commercial uses for the site, subject to further analysis. The land may be sold with all sale proceeds being retained by Council.

Location C is yet to be identified.

The survey refers to a 'Location C' to allow the community to suggest other sites for consideration and investigation.