By ANNA USHER

One of Sydney’s busiest marinas is set for a major upgrade with plans to add new berths and facilities to address ageing infrastructure and a sharp rise in boat ownership.

Tenant at Spit Marina were informed of the project by letter on Tuesday, seeking feedback on an application by d’Albora to improve infrastructure on the western side of the Spit Bridge.

The proposed development will see 36 new marina berths, including the construction of a new pontoon, to replace 36 existing commercial swing moorings currently situated at Pearl Bay and Quakers Hat Bay.

“The expansion seeks to respond to growing demand for marina berthing within Middle Harbour, supporting the evolving needs of the local boating community and helping to relieve pressure on existing infrastructure,” the letter, prepared by Willowtree Communications reads.

“The works are designed to improve safety, operational efficiency, and access for a variety of vessel types, including
those already using The Spit Marina.”

With new berths in NSW tightly regulated, d’Albora says it is working closely with authorities to minimise environmental impact.

The locations of the new berths have been carefully selected to avoid sensitive environmental zones and navigational channels,” the letter says, “The removal of 36 commercial swing moorings is also expected to benefit seafloor habitat health, enhance water quality, and increase the availability of public waterway space.”

ASX-listed financial services firm MA Financial acquired d’Albora in 2023 for $225 million, a move partially driven by a growing desire for larger boats (10 metres in length or more) that require on-water storage.

Demand for bigger vessels grew 15.1 per cent between 2009 and 2019, compared to just 1.3 per cent growth in boat storage on Sydney Harbour.

Specific Project Details

• Construction of a new pontoon (Arm E), to the West of the existing structures incorporating eighteen (18) 25-
  metre berths and one (1) 30-metre end-arm berth.
• Extension of Arm B, allowing for an additional eight (8) marina berths, including four (4) 10m berths and four (4) 12m berths.
• Extension of Arm C, allowing for an additional nine (9) marina berths, including six (6) 15m berths, and four (4)
  25m berths, and the removal of one (1) existing 25m berth.
• Removal of 10 existing commercial swing moorings from Pearl Bay and 26 commercial swing moorings from
  Quakers Hat Bay.