SYDNEY, 20 MAY 2020
The concrete ground floor of The Waterfront Tavern, Shell Cove was poured today, completing early works for the highly anticipated social hotspot at the joint development by Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Australia.
The next steps in the tavern’s creation will be a survey and registration of the approximately 1,500 sqm site and then the handover to its new owners, Balmoral Hospitality, which is expected to start construction from the ground up in August this year.
Construction remains on track at The Waterfront, Shell Cove with major milestones now coming thick and fast, despite COVID-19. The topping out of the Aqua apartment building was celebrated last Friday to mark the structure reaching its highest point.
Shellharbour Mayor Councillor Marianne Saliba was on site to witness today’s concrete pour, which took place over an eight-hour period.
“It’s no secret the tavern is one of the most anticipated components of The Waterfront, Shell Cove among local people and I share that excitement, so I was very keen to be here to watch this today,” Councillor Saliba says.
The number of workers on site each day at The Waterfront, Shell Cove currently ranges between 300 and 400, depending on activity, with approximately 75 per cent of these workers from the local community. Site works are currently focused on the boat harbour, Shellharbour Marina, Aqua apartments, social and community infrastructure, and new homes.
Balmoral Hospitality was announced as the owner operator of the tavern in September 2019 following an Expressions of Interest campaign.
Balmoral Hospitality representative Andrew Denmeade was also present to mark the occasion and says the construction of the tavern will create another 20 construction jobs as it progresses toward its mid-2021 opening date as well as what Balmoral expect to be an additional 50 jobs once The Waterfront Tavern opens for business.
“Balmoral Hospitality’s platform for The Waterfront Tavern precinct includes three terrific venues that will support the community, business and tourism growth in the region,” says Mr Denmeade.
The Waterfront Bar & Bistro located beneath Aqua adjacent to the tavern will feature a kids’ area, space for large group bookings, special occasions, as well as casual all day dining with seating for 250 people. It will also include the signature wood fire pizza oven and central bar service area on the water’s edge – all looking out at the Marina and east to Shellharbour Beach.
“The Clubhouse within the Waterfront Tavern will be a casual waterfront meeting spot featuring live music, special event screenings, cocktails and bar food. The Kiosk will offer convenient outdoor food and drinks such as coffee, pastries, gelato, picnic hampers and take-away food. All this plus a Sports Bar to catch the latest game.
“The architecturally designed Waterfront Tavern, part of which will cantilever over the marina and Prominade will enjoy 270 degree views of the ocean and marina.”
Simone Dyer, Development Director Shell Cove for Frasers Property Australia, says the tavern will be a focal point for the community.
“This wonderful venue will provide a great variety of entertainment and dining options for our local community and be another great asset for regional tourism,” says Ms Dyer.
The Waterfront, Shell Cove is a masterplanned community in a natural coastal setting surrounded by beaches, parks and wetlands but close to schools, transport and major centres.
A focal point of the new community will be the 270-berth boat harbour and Shellharbour Marina next to the lively town centre featuring a retail precinct anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, with specialty shops and restaurants on the marina’s edge. A hotel will be positioned adjacent to the waterfront tavern, children’s beach, water play areas, library and community centre.
In other news, the doors to The Waterfront Sales Centre have re-opened to the public. In recent weeks, the centre has only been open by appointment to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Online sales services and virtual meetings continue for those who prefer, while private appointments are also available. To register your interest or for more information, call 13 38 38 or visit www.thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au.