The Waterfront, Shell Cove celebrates high point in construction program. Topping out ceremony with a difference.

The Waterfront, Shell Cove celebrates high point in construction program.

Topping out ceremony with a difference.

Construction remains on track at The Waterfront, Shell Cove with the site team today celebrating the Aqua apartment building reaching its highest structural point with a topping out ceremony.

The topping out ceremony is a long-held tradition in the building industry and a key milestone for the team. Typically, the completion of a building structure is marked by a ceremonial tree placed on top of the structure with a team celebration like a low-key barbecue to follow. 

Due to social distancing rules, it was done a little differently today, but it was still an occasion to be celebrated. The event centred around the transfer of the tree to the rooftop level.

Shellharbour Mayor Councillor Marianne Saliba was on hand to witness the tree being lifted into place by crane to the roof of the waterfront Aqua apartment building.

“It’s a testament to the team that, despite the pandemic, the construction program at The Waterfront, Shell Cove has been able to remain on track,” says Councillor Saliba.

“We’ve all had to adapt in this environment in so many ways and today’s celebration is another great example of people adapting to maintain some normality and a safe working environment while ensuring progress continues. 

“Congratulations to the site team and our contractor Duffy Kennedy on a great job, well done.”

The Waterfront, Shell Cove is a Shellharbour City Council development with Frasers Property Australia. The number of workers on site is currently varying between 300 and 400 depending on activity with approximately 75 per cent of these works from the local community. Site workers are currently involved on the boat harbour, Shellharbour Marina, Aqua apartments, social and community infrastructure and new homes. 

Work on The Waterfront Tavern and boat harbour continues in preparation for opening in mid-2021 when the new regional tourism and business destination is set to come to life.   

Simone Dyer, Development Director Shell Cove for Frasers Property Australia, says COVID-19 isn’t the only reason the topping out event was tweaked at Aqua.

“The multi-angled architectural element that is the roof also presented a few challenges so, for safety reasons as well as COVID-19 considerations, we thought this was the most appropriate way to mark the occasion,” says Ms Dyer.

“Everyone on site understands the situation and as a team we are grateful we can still celebrate this high point for the project.”
“With the structure now complete, work begins on the internal fitout and services of the building as well as the façade and landscape works for the public domain,” she added.

Due for completion in second quarter of 2021, the Aqua building which incorporates The Waterfront restaurant and dining precinct on ground level.