About the project
Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) is exploring options to revitalise and activate the Eden Wharf Building site at Snug Cove in Eden, so locals and visitors can continue to enjoy the harbour foreshore on the Port of Eden now and in the future.
Background
The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre (aka Eden Wharf Building) building, owned by Crown Lands was let to Eden Marine Centre Limited, who then sublet areas of the building to other residential, hospitality and commercial tenants. Eden Marine Centre Limited was responsible for the care and maintenance of the building under the terms of the lease it held with Crown Lands.
In September 2020, a condition assessment report was carried out on the Eden Wharf Building, which identified that it was beyond serviceable repair and presented an immediate and serious risk to the safety of tenants and the public. The head lessee was advised of this and was asked to undertake repairs. A voluntary administrator was appointed who advised that the lessee was not in a position to undertake the required repairs and would be vacating the property.
For the safety of the public and the tenants, Crown Lands took immediate steps to terminate the head lease, which consequently terminated both the commercial subleases and residential tenancies and issued notices for the residential and commercial tenants to vacate the building.
Bega Valley Shire Council approved demolition of the building in March 2021.
The Government allocated $1.65 million to clear and remediate the site.
Following an open tender process, a southern NSW regional contractor was appointed and demolition commenced in early July 2021. Removal and remediation of the underground storage tanks was completed in late August 2021. The health and safety of workers, residents and visitors, and the protection of the local environment was of the utmost importance during the demolition and remediation of the Eden Wharf building site at Snug Cove.
Next steps
The NSW Government’s priority is finding a permanent use for the Wharf Building site that will complement the harbour’s tourism attractions and working port functions, as well as deliver economic and community benefits for Eden and the Far South Coast in the long term.
PDNSW, Transport for NSW and other government stakeholders are working together to ensure a cohesive whole-of-government approach to the transformation of the Snug Cove foreshore into a thriving maritime precinct.