The Civic Centre provides a central place for the Shellharbour community to gather, learn, communicate, celebrate and interact. As we move toward the future, it will become the heart of Shellharbour City.

The building is based on a 'wave' concept, incorporating a curved roof on the exterior. The interior enjoys maximum natural light and open spaces to deliver comfort and a welcoming space.

The Civic Centre was completed in January 2018 and features:

• A 350-seat auditorium for functions, conferences and other events with views over the landscaped area at the rear of the centre
• A 2000m² civic square at the front of the building, including green space and a water feature - a place for people to meet and relax and caters for community events including concerts and market stalls
• Large community lobby can be opened up onto the Civic Square in good weather for inside/outside feel
• Meeting rooms for use by community groups, government and non-government agencies and visiting professionals to provide services to the Shellharbour community
• A 2000m² City library with over 40 000 books and 50 programs running per month
• The new City Museum featuring changing exhibitions, artefacts, photographs, oral histories, maps, lithographs and historic documents to discover 
• Council’s administration centre, customer service and Council Chambers

Shellharbour Civic Centre Carpark

76 Cygnet Avenue
Shellharbour City Centre NSW 2529
(corner of Cygnet and College Avenue)

Carpark Information and Operating Hours

Council provides 100 free undercover parking spaces within the Civic Centre. The undercover carpark has a height restriction of 2.2m and includes some timed parking spaces.

Carpark entry is off Cygnet Avenue with three accessible spaces along with elevator access to the ground floor.

Carpark Hours

Monday – Thursday 8.25am – 8pm
Friday 8.25am – 5pm
Saturday 8.30am – 3pm
Sunday 11.30am – 3pm

Carpark hours may be extended for functions or events.
No external pedestrian access to the carpark outside of these hours.

Charging Stations

Two 22kw wall-mounted charging ports are located on a concrete pillar at the western end of the car park and can be accessed from the parking spaces on either side. Whilst these are not designated accessible car parking spaces, the one located at the end of the row (next to the turning area) is suitable for people who have accessibility needs, parents with prams etc.

After Hours Access

If your car is parked in the carpark outside of these hours please call security on 4226 0000. A call out fee will apply.

Accessible Parking

Carpark entry is off Cygnet Avenue with elevator access and three accessible sports are available within the facility.

The Shellharbour Civic Centre has received a number of awards since opening in 2018. These awards were based around design and architecture and have been awarded to the Shellharbour Civic Centre and the Shellharbour City Library. The awards consist of:

The design of the building ensured it met the highest environmental standards, including a 5-star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

The building is designed to reflect the coastal and escarpment setting of the city, including a wave-like roof spanning the majority of the building's form. The design allows for flexibility, with energy-efficient air conditioning for the hottest and coldest times of the year, and natural heating and cooling for the months in between.

The building’s many environmental initiatives decrease running costs, and help reduce Council’s ecological footprint.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Two 22kw wall-mounted charging ports are located on a concrete pillar at the western end of the car park and can be accessed from the parking spaces on either side. Whilst these are not designated accessible car parking spaces, the one located at the end of the row (next to the turning area) is suitable for people who have accessibility needs, parents with prams etc.

The Civic Centre is an accessible building and includes designated accessible parking spaces, elevator access, accessible toilets and hearing loop.

For more information or to discuss specific access requirements, please contact us.

In the late 1970s Council developed a vision to create a commercial centre for the city with the support of the NSW Department of Planning. An Interim Development Order was put in place and Council planned and developed a city centre area almost 70 hectares in size. In 1993 Council adopted its plan for the City Centre.

Extensive community consultation in 2010 identified that the area lacked a "City Heart" - a place for people to meet, socialise, access services, exercise cultural and recreational pursuits and a place that people identify as the centre of Shellharbour City. The civic centre is intended to fulfil those needs.