d’Albora Marina Nelson Bay Redevelopment Proposal
About the project
Source: Nearmaps/Willowtree Communications
d’Albora Marinas is proposing the redevelopment of Nelson Bay Marina’s on-land facilities to create an enhanced waterfront destination for visitors and the local community. The proposal includes a new waterfront hotel, upgraded restaurant and café facilities, enhanced retail spaces, and improved car parking and marina facilities
The site is zoned for a range of commercial land uses, including hotel accommodation, and plays an important role in the local economy through its waterfront location. This development will support Nelson Bay’s growing tourism and hospitality sector by delivering facilities to meet increasing visitor demand and support local businesses by enhancing the commercial and recreational offerings.
A State Significant Development application (SSDA) is being prepared, and community engagement undertaken to refine the proposal before it is submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for assessment.
The proposed design aims to enhance the existing site features through considered design and planning, creating a diverse and thoughtful new destination for Nelson Bay. The arrangement on site consists of three main building forms which have been designed to reflect the organic nature of the coastal shoreline and respond to the key site thoroughfares and connection to the broader community.
The proposed design will incorporate three proposed buildings that would feature a diverse mix of uses and communal amenities. The proposal would also include an upgraded boardwalk and central landscaped plaza which would enhance the foreshore experience for the wider community.
Following demolition of the existing buildings, the proposed development includes:
- A new 122 room hotel (up to four storeys)
- New retail, hospitality & commercial offerings
- Upgraded marina facilities
- New public plaza & foreshore development
- Additional site parking, including multi-level parking
Source: Atlis Architecture
Have your say
Willowtree Communications has been engaged by d’Albora Marina to facilitate preliminary community engagement on the proposal and assess social impacts.
Update
An Online Information Session was held on the 8 October 2025, and a Social Impact Survey was available between 18 September to the 14 October.
If you’d like to hear more about the proposal, or would still like to provide feedback, you can contact us engage@willowtc.com.au or 0451 211 995.
Following community engagement and consultation with Council and relevant government agencies, the project team will refine the proposal for submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
Additional community engagement will be undertaken as part of DPHI’s assessment process under Project Reference Number SSD – 77938524.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are d'Albora Marina?
d’Albora Marinas is Australia’s leading marina operator, managing premium waterfront facilities across QLD, NSW & VIC. d’Albora is committed to delivering high-quality marina facilities and complementary services that enhance waterfront experiences for both the boating community and the broader public.
Why is the project a State Significant Development?
The project is classified as State Significant Development (SSD) because it meets specific criteria under NSW planning legislation, including the proposed capital investment value and the inclusion of hotel accommodation. This classification means the proposal will be assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) rather than the local council, ensuring a comprehensive assessment process that considers regional and state-wide planning objectives. Consultation has been undertaken with Port Stephens Council throughout the development of the proposal to ensure alignment with local planning priorities. Once submitted, the proposal will be placed on public exhibition where the public will have the opportunity to provide additional feedback and view the relevant technical reports.
More information about the SSD Process can be found here: SSD Projects | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment
What planning requirements have been considered?
The proposal has been developed in accordance with relevant planning frameworks, including local zoning requirements, state environmental planning policies, and development control plans. As part of the SSD process, detailed technical studies will be undertaken covering areas such as traffic and transport, environmental impacts, visual impact assessment, and social and economic impacts. These studies will inform the Environmental Impact Statement that accompanies the development application.
Where can I access technical reports and project documents?
Once submitted, comprehensive project information will be available on Major Projects Hub on the NSW Planning Portal by referencing SSD – 77938524. This will include the Environmental Impact Statement and detailed technical studies covering traffic and transport, environmental impacts, visual impact assessment, and social and economic impacts. During the public exhibition period, all technical reports and supporting documentation will be publicly accessible for review.
For project updates and community engagement opportunities, please contact Willowtree Communications at engage@willowtc.com.au or 0451 211 995.
Design Concepts
This section provides visual representations of the proposed Nelson Bay Marina development through concept images provided by Altis Architecture. All visual materials are conceptual in nature and subject to change during the planning and consultation process.
Aerial concept view of the marina
Concept View From Nelson Bay Marina
Concept view of pedestrian access through to the marina
