Upgrades planned for St George Motor Boat Club, Georges River 16ft Sailing Club
Waterfront dining in Sydney’s south is about to elevate thanks to major upgrades at a cluster of sailing and yacht clubs hugging the shore, where one of NSW’s largest marinas is also expanding.
St George Shire Standard
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Patrons at bayside clubs in St George are set to embrace a glow-up at their venues overlooking Botany Bay thanks to restaurant upgrades and one venue securing approval for a $15m marina expansion.
The state government’s Sydney South Planning Panel recently gave the marina project the green light at St George Motor Boat Club – to host an extra 84 berths – as part of its makeover including a 165-seat fine dining restaurant, a refreshed cafe expanded terrace and more carparking over two levels.
The marina expansion comes 14 years after 90 berths were added and will take the total number to 310 – making it the second-largest marina in NSW after the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club at Newport.
Each berth will be fitted out with fire hydrants and a T-head fuel berth, which is designed to
streamline fuelling by including bowsers at both ends of the head. The set up will allow two vessels to refuel simultaneously.
Club president David Blyth said the expansion would make it a premier boating destination in the state when the project wraps up in spring.
“The new marina work is scheduled for completion by September 2025, and we already have an extensive waiting list eager to occupy the new berths,” he said.
Back in the club, the Sapphire Room on the ground floor will be transformed into an elegant fine dining restaurant and the Baybreeze Cafe is set for a vibrant facelift.
The club will also capitalise on its waterfront location with the creation of a 330sq m terrace in front of the existing restaurant to provide “spectacular views and an inviting space” for relaxation and social gatherings.
Construction is set to begin in about three months.
The upgrades were first revealed in late 2023 when chief executive Adrian Vermeulen said plans were in response to improving the experience for the club’s 60,000 members.
Mr Vermeulen said the marina had reached capacity years ago and demand for well-priced marina berths were sought after.
However, Kogarah Bay Progress Association objected to the Wellington St club’s expansion including the “unsightly, ugly” carpark because another 69 vehicles would block “stunning views” from the street.
“If the proposed two-storey carpark is given the green light, the beautiful views will only be visible from the club itself,’’ its website stated.
“The community, which included the wider public that makes use of the area, must not be deprived of this amazing amenity.’’
The venue is not short of competition, which is fuelling several upgrades along the bay.
St George Sailing Club at Sans Souci reopened in 2022 after the old venue was demolished to make way for a glamorous $15m revitalisation that includes a 300-seat bistro, function spaces and open-air dining.
Georges River 16ft Sailing Club at Sandringham is also in the middle of a $10m renovation over three stages – its most significant rebuild.
Stage one renovations to The Horizon Room function space concluded last year while stage two – involving a new 220-seat bistro and sports bar – will get under way between February and September.
The third stage will include work to the new foyer where the stairs and lift will be replaced to improve access.
“This is just a spectacular location – absolute waterfront with spectacular views,’’ club spokeswoman Kylie Di Cesare said.
“And really the building hasn’t been renovated on the whole for such a long time, and it’s such an amazing opportunity to renovate something that is going to have a massive community impact and also a drawcard for people from outside the area to visit.
“We’re a club that’s in demand already and we saw that these renovations are something our members and our community want to happen.’’
Close to 80,000 members belong to the group, which consists of Club Central at Hurstville and Menai.
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