Construction begins on Rozelle Bay dry storage and boating centre  
 
Construction has commenced on Rozelle Bay's $80 million dry boat storage and boating centre, along with the first of the dry berths being sold.

The commencement of early works on Sydney's first six star dry boat storage facility, Sydney Boathouse, has been welcomed by the boating fraternity, and with Sydney City Marine is the first significant marine infrastructure on Sydney Harbour for 30 years.

Boating Industry Association general manager Roy Privett said: "Two million people go boating on Sydney Harbour each year, so this world-class boating centre will have far reaching benefits beyond the marine industry. "In addition to much sought-after dry boat storage berths, Sydney Boathouse will provide a comprehensive range of services for the boating industry and boating enthusiasts."

This new facility will provide the community with 24 hour access to the foreshore and a much needed marine facility for Sydney Harbour. Boat registrations are increasing at three to four per cent each year, with powerboats growing fastest at around 1,000 new boats a year in Sydney alone. There are currently 8,600 boats stored on Sydney Harbour and long waitlists for moorings continue to grow.

The boating village will include dry boat storage for 670 recrational powerboats of up to 12mt in length, plus boat repair facilities, waterfront commercial offics and marine retail space. This will accommodate a chandlery, a number of boat showrooms, plus a restaurant, cafe and general store, all of which will be open to the public.

"The commencement of works is a significant milestone for a marine centre that will significantly improve access to the harbour for many boat owners that don't have the privilege of living near the harbour," said Michael Chapman, president of the Boat Owners Association of NSW. "This facility will provide much needed storage as an alternative to wet berths and to parking boats on trailers on private property and on public streets."

Sydney Boathouse is being developed by Rozelle Bay Pty Ltd. Director James Markham said 70 per cent of the ground floor commercial space has already been snapped up and sales have been strong for the dry berths. "We are delighted with the interest we have received so far from top calibre marine businesses eager to locate themselves at this prime boating site," Markham said. "As there are limitations on the number of berths available for extended 20 year leases, the 50 berths in the first release are close to being oversubscribed."

Although new to Sydney Harbour, dry boat storage is the ideal storage option for power boat owners around the world. Maintenance and anti-fouling costs are dramatically reduced and the life, cleanliness, security and condition of the boat are better maintained.

The project was instigated by, and developed in consultation with the NSW Maritime Authority. They recognised that the growing demand for boat storage could not continue to be met by the limited opportunities to add further moorings and marinas in an already crowded harbour. Their concept ensured the continuation of a working harbour and efficient use of limited foreshore space.

The marine village is expected to be operating by early 2010.

Source: Marine Business News		  
 



 

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