Shellharbour Boathouse: New Landmark for Tourism and Economic Growth in Shell Cove, NSW

Published on December 14, 2025

The coastal town of Shellharbour, New South Wales, is preparing for a transformative addition to its waterfront with the highly anticipated Shellharbour Boathouse project. After years of planning and collaboration, the construction contract for this landmark facility has finally been awarded, signalling a significant step forward for the region. The boathouse will be an important piece of infrastructure in the Shell Cove precinct, contributing significantly to the local economy and tourism sector.

A Partnership for Progress

On 8 December 2025, the Shellharbour City Council officially awarded the construction contract to J Hutchinson Pty Ltd. This partnership is a pivotal moment in the realisation of the boathouse’s construction, which is expected to play a key role in reshaping Shellharbour as a must-visit coastal destination. The project is jointly funded by the council and the New South Wales Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund Round 2, ensuring a collaborative effort to drive regional growth and job creation.

The development of the Shellharbour Boathouse will provide a state-of-the-art facility designed to accommodate boats of varying sizes and offer a wide range of marine services. This venture is expected to create not only construction jobs but also long-term employment opportunities in tourism, retail, and marine services. These sectors are set to thrive as the boathouse attracts both locals and tourists, further solidifying Shellharbour’s position as an attractive coastal destination.

Key Features of the Shellharbour Boathouse

The new boathouse will offer a comprehensive suite of amenities, catering to a wide variety of boating and tourism needs. One of the standout features of the project is the inclusion of dry boat storage, capable of accommodating vessels up to 10 metres in length. This will provide boat owners with much-needed storage space, alleviating a significant challenge faced by the local boating community. Additionally, the facility will include both large and small boat maintenance areas, workshops, and office spaces aimed at supporting the marine and tourism industries.

Retail outlets will be available on-site, offering opportunities for businesses to engage with both residents and visitors. Car parking will also be integrated into the boathouse, providing convenient access to all services and ensuring ease of use for those who visit. These amenities will help streamline the boating experience in Shellharbour, making it a more attractive location for water enthusiasts.

Economic and Tourism Growth

The Shellharbour Boathouse is expected to serve as a significant catalyst for economic growth in the region. By attracting visitors from across the state and beyond, the facility will generate increased tourism traffic and enhance the local economy. The boathouse will not only support the growth of local businesses but will also create a hub for maritime tourism, allowing Shellharbour to compete with other established coastal destinations.

In addition to providing essential marine services, the boathouse will help promote the region’s unique coastal offerings. With its location within the vibrant Shell Cove precinct, the facility will be part of a broader effort to revitalise the area, enhancing the visitor experience and encouraging longer stays. Local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions are poised to benefit from the influx of tourists, boosting the region’s hospitality and retail sectors.

The facility’s potential to bring in more visitors is recognised by both local officials and regional stakeholders. The boathouse will provide a focal point for the boating community, drawing in enthusiasts who will make use of the high-quality marine services, while also attracting casual tourists looking to experience Shellharbour’s beautiful waterfront setting. By combining recreation with tourism and economic development, the boathouse will undoubtedly become an integral part of the region’s future.

Support from Local Leaders and Community

Local leaders have expressed their strong support for the project, recognising its importance in creating long-term opportunities for Shellharbour’s residents. The construction of the boathouse aligns with the council’s broader vision to drive regional development and make the area a more attractive destination for both tourism and business. Through this development, the city council aims to deliver a facility that will not only benefit residents but also attract visitors from near and far.

The mayor of Shellharbour City has underscored the significance of the boathouse, stating that it will become an invaluable asset for the local community. By bringing together tourism, retail, and marine services, the boathouse is expected to create a more diversified local economy and provide new job opportunities for the people of Shellharbour.

The inclusion of the 75-tonne boat lift is another highlight of the project. This state-of-the-art equipment will offer comprehensive marine maintenance services, which were previously unavailable in the region. With this new capability, larger boats can now be serviced locally, eliminating the need to transport them elsewhere for maintenance. This feature is expected to attract more boat owners and ensure that Shellharbour becomes a hub for marine services, further driving local employment and industry growth.

Long-Term Benefits for the Community

The Shellharbour Boathouse is designed to offer both short-term and long-term benefits for the region. In the immediate future, the construction of the facility will generate much-needed employment opportunities, with local contractors and workers involved in the building process. The longer-term impact will include the creation of permanent jobs in sectors such as retail, tourism, and marine services.

The boathouse is also expected to bring about a significant increase in tourism activity. As more tourists are drawn to the region, the demand for local services will rise, benefiting local businesses and contributing to the overall economic prosperity of Shellharbour. This increase in tourism will further reinforce the region’s reputation as a top coastal destination in New South Wales, attracting both Australian and international visitors.

Furthermore, the boathouse will help to elevate the overall boating experience in the area. By offering more facilities and services, Shellharbour will become a key player in the state’s boating and marine tourism sector. The boathouse will complement existing facilities while also helping to reduce the pressure on other nearby destinations that currently struggle with boat maintenance and storage capacity.

A Bright Future for Shellharbour

The Shellharbour Boathouse is a significant step forward for the region, establishing Shellharbour and Shell Cove as popular destinations for marine tourism and coastal recreation. The boathouse, with its innovative design, high-quality facilities, and emphasis on economic development, is poised to be a key driver of the region’s future growth. As construction begins, the community anticipates the new opportunities that will arise from this exciting project, which will serve as a hub for jobs, tourism, and industry for many years to come.

This historic development will not only improve local infrastructure but will also help to elevate Shellharbour’s status as a key destination on Australia’s eastern seaboard, attracting both tourists and investors.