Global design studio, GroupGSA, has reimagined coastal urban amenity in a 30-year visionary project at The Waterfront, Shell Cove.

The master-planned residential, commercial and tourism development – a $1.5 billion joint venture between Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Group – involved the creation of a world-class town precinct featuring 2.5km of foreshore parklands designed by GroupGSA, connecting the public domain to a 270-berth marina, surrounding beaches and coastal wetlands.

GroupGSA Project Lead, Steven Hammond embraced the unique project opportunity.

“The precinct’s inimitable location, situated between the Pacific Ocean and Illawarra Escarpment makes it major drawcard as an idyllic place to live and visit,” Steven says. “Shell Cove embraces urban living right down to the waterfront. We have distilled the best features of a robust public domain into a local beachside setting.”

Dubbed the South Coast’s newest coastal playground, the town centre is complemented by a waterfront plaza, children’s beach, water play areas and adventure playgrounds scattered along the foreshore parklands. A 117-room hotel, marina services centre, library and community centre are scheduled for completion in 2023.

Unique to the project is the way all amenities lead right to the harbour. “Shell Cove is one of few destinations in Australia which holds an intimate sense of connection to the water,” Steven says. “Instead of lining the harbour with only apartments, the masterplan positions the amenities, such as the community centre and town library, retail, food and beverage outlets right on the waterfront, so the community heart is in the centre of the precinct.”

Steven says the challenge with new developments is making them feel authentic and real. “The design of Shell Cove brings a diverse mix of people to its town centre and encourages them to stay,” he says.

Landscaped terraces and layered timber boardwalks fringe the harbour, stretching from the breakwall to the groyne. A sheltered swimming area, public parklands, picnic areas and a network of cycle ways and walking tracks connect residences, accommodation and schools.

GroupGSA Landscape Architect Federico Zanet said the promenade offers a feast of visual change. There are turfed areas where you can sit and picnic overlooking the marina and north promontory. More formal settings of tiered sandstone provide a commanding view.

“You can touch the water from the boardwalk; you can glide atop on a kayak or boat; you can feel it underfoot at the town beach or savour the vista from afar at one of the lookouts. We’ve really played the water’s edge as much as possible,” Federico says.

Shell Cove was skillfully designed with walkability in in mind so residents could leave their cars at home, while visitors, once they arrive, would not have to reach for their keys.

“You can be in the town centre and stroll to the beach in five to ten minutes,” Federico says. “Bass Point is a 15-to-20-minute walk. There are also scenic trails to Lake Illawarra only an hour by foot.”

A unique public play trail traipses the foreshore to encourage users to meander around the harbour. A whirlpool column, fun mirrors, speaking tubes, periscopes and a scavenger hunt board are among the highlights of the interactive children’s trail.

“It brings a child friendliness to the precinct; a lightheartedness and sense of play that permeates the whole precinct, not just the foreshore. It’s a very family friendly destination,” Steven says.

The approved masterplan includes plans for 1500 dwellings, including 600 luxury apartments, majority with waterfront views.

Shell Cove is located 20 minutes south of Wollongong and an easy 1.5 hour’s drive to Sydney.