From vision to reality: the activation of The Waterfront, Shell Cove

• Construction on Nautilus, Ancora and Marina Services Centre well underway
• Exclusive apartments on the harbourfront to be released soon
• Council research highlights tourism boost since boat harbour opening

Research shows the vision for The Waterfront, Shell Cove to become a regional tourism destination is now a reality with visitor numbers up 75% since the boat harbour opened last October, as work continues on many more components set to further activate the masterplanned community by Shellharbour City Council, with Frasers Property Australia.

Chris Homer, Mayor of Shellharbour City Council, says as The Waterfront attracts more and more people, there’ll be plenty of exciting activities and milestones for them to enjoy in the weeks and months ahead.

“Shellharbour City Council commissioned research to track visitor numbers to the area which shows a 75% increase in visitors in the months following the opening of the boat harbour last October” says Mayor Homer. 

"Since its opening in late October 2021, The Waterfront, Shell Cove has attracted over 200,000 people to the stunning harbour, marina and the local businesses here at Shell Cove.

“It is notable that approximately 40% of the people who have visited are Shellharbour residents, demonstrating the high value locals also place on this fantastic waterfront area.

“With more food and beverage offerings, a hotel, community centre and library all coming soon, visitors will continue to be attracted to everything The Waterfront at Shell Cove has to offer.

“It’s a positive economic development which supports other recent announcements, including confirmation of the operator for the hotel located at The Waterfront, Shell Cove, the launch of Whale Watching tours, the opening of more new restaurants in The Waterfront Dining Precinct, and Shellharbour Rocks the Marina event to be held on June 18.

“The marine based tourism has been especially pleasing with the boat harbour and marina now connecting the blue highway between Sydney and the NSW South Coast, opening Shellharbour up to new types of water-based visitation.

“In addition to all this activity, planning and construction of housing and infrastructure continues, berthing numbers continue to grow steadily at the Shellharbour Marina, construction is tracking well with the Marina Services Centre and plans are underway for the inaugural Food and Wine Festival at The Waterfront, Shell Cove in late October this year,” says Mayor Homer.

Mat Gulliver, Development Director, Frasers Property Australia says with the boat harbour and marina open, the team’s focus is on applying the finishing touches to the community amenity and progressing the new housing choices, particularly surrounding the harbour, to further activate and enliven The Waterfront. 

“With the plans for new residential, retail and dining options progressing in the precinct, the next phase of the vision for the Town Centre moves ever closer to reality. The ground plane of apartment buildings adjacent to the hotel will incorporate retail and commercial spaces which will effectively extend the Town Centre and further activate the public space for locals and visitors to enjoy,” says Mr Gulliver.

“Meanwhile, progress on the new and diverse residential offers continues to progress well, with 65 townhomes and over 230 apartments within three precincts to be underway by the end of this year.

“Nautilus and Ancora will welcome residents in late 2023 and construction of the final land lots within Shell Cove is due to commence in 2023, with completion in 2024.

“Since the opening of the boat harbour, demand for housing has continued to completely out strip supply so we’re expecting another strong response when we release the next 52 generous sized harbour front “Vela” apartments with exclusive marina, harbour and ocean views in the weeks ahead.

“The entire community is buzzing and demand for unique homes matches this intensity.  In particular we have seen people keen to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and where better to do that than the stunning South Coast, with its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle,” Mr Gulliver says.

Already, over 9,500 residents call Shell Cove home, where they enjoy relaxed coastal living with the modern conveniences of the Town Centre, including cafés and restaurants, Woolworths, bakery, barber, pharmacist and more. Natural marvels are also just a short stroll away, including boardwalks and pathways that meander to Shallows Beach, Shallows Coastal Reserve, Bass Point and Killalea Reserve.

On completion of the entire masterplan scheduled for 2027, The Waterfront, Shell Cove will feature completed homes framing the harbours edge within a picturesque natural coastal setting surrounded by beaches, parks and wetlands but close to schools, transport and major centres. The Shellharbour Marina and boat harbour are open next to the lively Town Centre, restaurants on the marina’s edge, Waterfront Tavern, kids beach, water play areas with a library and community centre and Crown Plaza Hotel under development.

The Waterfront, Shell Cove Sales Centre is in The Waterfront Town Centre at Shops 1 and 2, 100 Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove. It is open seven days from 10.30am to 5pm. Call Frasers Property on 13 38 38 or visit www.thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au for more information.