Ocean baths plan takes shape

The City of Newcastle met with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group (CRG) on Wednesday, March 24, to discuss the preliminary designs and new upgrades to the iconic 1920’s ocean bath.

The initial designs were developed in consultation with the broader community, the CRG and expert advice on heritage, safety, and accessibility.

Stage 1 preliminary designs have now been reached and were presented to the CRG to discuss the two pools and lower promenades.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the bleacher seating was to remain, but the boardwalk would be renewed.

“We’re also planning accessibility improvements to ensure the ocean baths can be enjoyed by everyone in the community,” Cr Clausen said. 

The upgrades will begin with Stage 1; the restoration of the pool and promenades in the second half of 2021, including addressing the undulating rock bottom, retaining a sand floor, more thorough cleaning, improved water quality and increasing safety for pool users when sand levels are low.

GHD Pty Ltd was named the principal design consultant for the first stage of the upgrade in December 2020.

Stage 2 upgrades will see the restoration of the upper concourse and pavilion building.

Director Infrastructure and Property Ken Liddell said the new upgrades included an opportunity for effective pool cleaning with a new pump station proposed.

“By dramatically increasing water circulation and subsequently minimising the opportunity for algae to grow, the new pump system will allow for increased consistency in water quality and reduce the need to clean the baths only during low tide,” Liddell said.

Three CRG meetings and two focus group sessions have been held since March 2020, with Wednesday’s meeting being the fourth.

The upgrades to the pool and promenade concepts will now be developed and presented to Newcastle Councillors before detailed designs, and the construction commences mid-year.

Funding the renewal of the Newcastle Ocean Baths comes from the $9.5M recovered from the sale of the Frederick Ash Building, which was made possible by relocating the Council Administration Centre in October 2019.

_{Information source: Media release, Mar 23}