PHOTO: ANDREA FRANCOLINI
The marina where yacht owners and charterers stayed during the Sydney Olympic Games in Australia may get a multi-million-dollar renovation—long overdue, in some people’s opinions.
A story in the Sydney Morning Herald states that AUS$25 million (about US$25.3 million) has been proposed to add shops, restaurants, and more to the marina in Rozelle Bay. The Sydney Superyacht Marina, previously known as the Rozelle Bay Superyacht Marina, was built more than 10 years ago to accommodate 24 megayachts to 70 feet (230 feet). Brian James, chairman of the Sydney Superyacht Marina Pty, which has been operating the facility since 2009, tells the newspaper that the marina lacks some of the basics that other similar facilities have and therefore is in urgent need of upgrading.
If it does get approved, the proposal would lead to the construction of two buildings, rising two stories each, containing service and repair facilities, offices, ballrooms, as well as dining and shopping options. In addition, a handful of dormitory-like rooms would be created for visiting yachts’ crewmembers. “The guys want to get off the boat and get their own room,” James told the newspaper. Rounding out the proposal are two parking decks and a public-accessible promenade along the waterfront that would welcome pedestrians and cyclists.
The state government seems to agree that the upgrade is needed. It already approved redevelopment of the water-based facilities, which entails rearranging the existing slips and upgrading the pontoons. Furthermore, the state has given the state planning minister the right to grant the proposal, appropriating the municipal-level council’s power. Interesting enough, the council is against the development because it doesn’t include plans for three other nearby bays. In addition, according to the paper, the mayor, Jamie Parker, is upset with the idea of transforming the area into an entertainment complex. “Are we wanting to turn this into a function center, which is what’s proposed?” Parker is quoted as asking. “How does this relate to a working harbor?”
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