Shellharbour City Council has officially awarded the construction contract for the Shellharbour Boathouse, marking a major milestone in the delivery of this transformative infrastructure project for the region.
Jointly funded by Shellharbour City Council and the NSW Government's Regional Tourism Activation Fund Round 2, the Boathouse will be a landmark feature of the Shell Cove Waterfront precinct. The construction contract has been awarded to J Hutchinson Pty Ltd, who will lead the delivery of the facility in partnership with Council.
The Boathouse will support marine maintenance, retail, tourism, and commercial activity, strengthening Shellharbour's reputation as a thriving coastal destination.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer, CEO Wayde Peterson, Executive Director Infrastructure Services Ben Stewart, NSW Government Economic Development Manager Illawarra Shoalhaven Leanne Smith, and Hutchinson Builders' John Koumoukelis and Max Elmes at the official contract award announcement. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
Key features of the Boathouse include:
• Dry boat storage for vessels up to 10m in length
• Large and small boat maintenance facilities
• Workshops, retail, and office spaces to support marine and tourism businesses
• Carparking
The endorsement follows a successful Early Tenderer Involvement (ETI) process, where shortlisted contractors collaborated with Council to refine the design and ensure high-quality construction outcomes. Feedback from these workshops has been incorporated into the final design documentation.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer welcomed the decision and reaffirmed Council's commitment to delivering infrastructure that benefits the community and drives regional growth.
"Council's endorsement of the Boathouse project is a significant step forward for Shell Cove and our boating community," Mayor Homer said.
"This facility will be a valuable asset for residents and visitors alike, supporting recreation, tourism, and economic development across the region."
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the Shellharbour Boathouse will create real opportunities for the Shellharbour community and surrounding region.
"This facility will deliver immediate construction jobs and long-term benefits such as more tourism, more trade, and more reasons for people to spend time and money in the area. It's a smart investment that will help the community grow and thrive."
KEY MESSAGES:
• Shellharbour City Council has awarded the contract for the Shellharbour Boathouse design and Construction.
• Designs have been informed by contractor workshops and community planning.
• The Shellharbour Boathouse will deliver new facilities that support Shell Cove's economic growth and boating community needs.
