The Eden Welcome Centre is a new building located on the old fisherman's co-op site at the Port of Eden, which will facilitate the movement of over 100,000 cruise passengers to the local region each year.
Designed by award-winning firm Cox Architecture, the Eden Welcome Centre is a two-story facility spanning approximately 1,000 square metres. The ground floor houses the Eden Visitor Information Centre, a Bega Valley Regional Gallery pop-up exhibition, and a dedicated space for market stallholders, complete with amenities. The first floor accommodates offices for Port Authority of NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Transport for NSW personnel.
Reflecting Eden’s maritime heritage and economic evolution, the building celebrates the town’s key industries—fishing, forestry, and tourism—by incorporating design elements inspired by its rich history and promising future.
Contract awarded
The building contract was awarded in 2019 to local construction company, Rankin Builders, who has previously worked with Cox Architecture on Bermagui Fishermen's Wharf.
Construction program
Site establishment and demolition of the Fishermen’s Co-op building began in early 2020, with construction completed in May 2021. The project engaged approximately 40 local subcontractors, contributing over 10,000 work hours and creating one apprenticeship.
The structure and cladding incorporate recycled timbers sourced from various locations across regional New South Wales and Victoria, alongside native hardwoods from the region. The Welcome Centre prioritizes sustainability, incorporating recycled materials wherever possible.
One of the most notable elements is the use of copper nails salvaged from the 1959 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race contender, Jindivik. These nails were repurposed to secure the copper end caps on the building’s roof rafters. The Jindivik, one of six yachts that retired from the 1959 race, remained moored in Eden until a storm eventually washed her onto the rocks and into nearby bushland.
Other sustainable initiatives include:
- using recycled timber throughout the building
- installing solar cells on the roof
- installing energy efficient LED lighting
- installing rainwater tanks
- reusing grey water for non-drinking purposes.
The Pambula-based Destination Agency worked with a local historian and other local stakeholders to prepare a Heritage Interpretation Plan which was based on the following key themes:
- Eden's maritime history and key industries
- Aboriginal history and storytelling
- Wildlife artwork panels.
The Maritime History Pathway captures the rich and diverse maritime heritage of Eden, highlighting its international connections, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit through ship arrivals. Created by local stonemasons, engraved plaques have been embedded into the exterior walkway of the Welcome Centre, offering visitors a tangible link to Eden’s seafaring past.
The Aboriginal History and Storytelling feature celebrates the deep and ongoing connection of Aboriginal people to Yuin Guyangal country. Written by a local Dharawal man with strong Yuin connections, these stories were developed with the support and approval of the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council. They are displayed within timber panels on the ground floor interior, ensuring First Nations voices and perspectives are central to the visitor experience.
The Wildlife Artwork Panels, showcasing local wildlife, have been intricately routed into external timber panels. These artworks were designed by renowned Yuin artist, Cheryl Davison, whose work has been exhibited by the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia.
Together, these elements ensure the Eden Welcome Centre serves as a place of cultural significance, education, and artistic expression, celebrating both Eden’s maritime legacy and its deep Aboriginal heritage.
Gallery
