The ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Shell Cove development was officially opened on Thursday.
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The red ribbon was cut on the first stage of the town centre, The Waterfront Shell Cove.
The new retail precinct has a Woolworths supermarket, BWS liquor store and nine specialty shops.
Residents can pick artisan pastries at Breadrocks Bakery, a sweet treat from Bliss Ice Cream and Gelato or something healthy from Naturally Tasty. Amalfi Pizza and Sea Wolf Cafe are coming soon.
Shoppers can also go to Shell Cove Dental or men can have a shave and trim at the Mancave Barbershop.
The town centre is a joint project between Shellharbour City Council and developer Frasers Property Australia.
A crowd of residents, business people, council employees, councillors and Frasers Property staff attended the opening.
The event started with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
Frasers Property Australia’s development director Glenn Colquhoun said he was proud to see the fruits of almost 20 years of work take shape.
“Stage one of the town centre will be the heart of the community,” he said. “People will come together to meet, gather and dine.
“The centre sets the flavour for stages two and three.
“A public piazza with public art, alfresco dining and an interactive water feature will be completed next year.”
Mr Colquhoun said the restaurant precinct would rival King Street Wharf in Sydney and construction is expected to start next year.
“The tavern is one of the most exciting elements,” he said. “The boathouse style venue will be a place where people can meet, drink and enjoy the harbourside.
“There will also be an accommodation hotel. The 11-storey building will have 120 to 140 hotel rooms and conference rooms.
“Frasers Property are also working with the council to deliver a library and community centre where people can gather in the space, meet for yoga or have a small party.
“The town centre precinct will be unrivaled anywhere along the east coast of Australia.”
Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba thanked councillors from 30 years ago who had the vision to plan for the Shell Cove development.
“This is an exciting moment for Shell Cove residents, the city and the whole region,” she said. “I look forward to the seeing the future development.
“Shell Cove is the centre of the universe. The harbourfront will be the envy of other towns in our city and cities around Australia.”
Residents are invited to a family fun day on Saturday from 10am to 2pm at the centre.
