THE Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association (TRRA) has organised a public meeting to discuss the proposed redevelopment of the d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay.
In September 2025 a concept plan was released for the planned redevelopment of the land-based components of the marina facilities.
According to d’Albora Marinas, the plan includes a new 122 room hotel; new retail, hospitality and commercial offerings; upgraded marina facilities; a new public plaza and foreshore development; and additional site parking, including multi-level parking.
“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 project website states.
“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 meeting organised by the TRRA for 6pm on Monday, 17 November offers an opportunity for local residents to learn more and have their say.
“The developer has agreed to present details of their proposal and has invited community engagement to help refine the proposal,” TRRA said in a statement.
“This meeting will be an opportunity for stakeholders and residents to raise and consider issues.”
Due to the size and value of the project (in excess of $30 million), the development has been declared a State Significant Development (SSD).
While Port Stephens Council will be consulted, the development application will go directly to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and be determined by the Minister.
SSDs are placed on public exhibition for 28 days.
The TRRA and other community groups have drawn attention to a range of concerns they say need to be addressed in the planning phase.
“Firstly, the impact of the proposed large scale and bulk of the hotel buildings on the character of the Marina precinct and the visual and coastal village character of the Nelson Bay town centre,” the TRRA stated.
“The colours and architectural style do not seem to reflect their marine setting either.
“The building heights proposed exceed the allowable LEP building height (10.5 metres).
“Two of the buildings will reach 13.8 metres and a third will be 16.9 metres (63 percent higher than the maximum allowable).”
The TRRA also has concerns over the potential loss of “much valued” view corridors to the north from Stockton Street and the reverse from Nelson Bay to the wooded hills.
It says a number of questions remain unanswered by current planning documents.
“It is proposed to reduce the space occupied by independent retail, food and beverage businesses by 50 percent,” the TRRA stated.
“What the community will lose is not clear.
“The current stand-alone public toilet facility will be re-located inside the hotel development – its accessibility to the public is also not clear.”
The loss of mature trees and grassed areas are another point of concern.
“These provide essential shade, cooling and a softened character which is essential for public enjoyment of such an exposed space.
“The loss of the trees, with their birds, and the grassed areas in favour of more concrete is not in the interests of the general public which enjoys the use of this precinct.”
The TRRA says traffic congestion and parking issues also need to be addressed, including coach access, turn-around areas and parking.
“Although additional high-rise parking is proposed for hotel guests, public parking in the area seems likely to be reduced under this proposal.
“There are clearly many questions regarding the public interests of this proposal that need to be addressed.”
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