The concept designs for Stage 1 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrades have been finalised, with the designs focused on improving the ageing pools and lower promenades.
Changes made in response to feedback from the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group include replacing the shade structure with a rainproof shade textile with the potential to be removed during the winter season, the colour scheme of extended bleachers and reducing the visual impact of the new lifeguard tower.
The iconic bleacher seating will be retained, the boardwalk will be renewed, and a new pump station with more effective pool cleaning will be installed.
The concept design also addresses the undulating rock bottom while retaining the sand floor to facilitate cleaning the pools and increase user safety when sand levels are low.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group (CRG) was integral in refining the concept design for Stage 1.
“We’ve heard valuable feedback from the Community Reference Group, which represents our broader community and Newcastle Ocean Baths users, and adjusted the design to ensure the Baths meets the needs of our community and visitors,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The big winner has been accessibility improvements, with fit-for-purpose ramps for people with a disability or mobility issue to easily get to and from the pools.
“We’ve carefully considered the location of the ramp access into the pools and, following advice from the CRG and in consultation with disability advocates, have realigned the new ramp to the western edge of the pool to allow long lap swimming.
“We’ve heard our community values the existing rounded central stairs, and they’ll be incorporated in the new design within upgraded seating and improvements to ensure they meet modern standards.”
Co-chair, Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust, Mark Metrikas, said the City of Newcastle had consulted on concept elements such as the rounded stairs.
“National Trust was concerned to see the rounded heritage stairs missing from an earlier design of the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 1 upgrade,” Metrikas said.
“City of Newcastle has worked closely with National Trust on seeking advice as to how the stairs can be incorporated into the new design, as well as sharing additional information about the engineering and safety considerations, so as we can get a better outcome for this cherished facility.”
The Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade Stage 2 will focus on the upper concourse and pavilion building.
Construction on Stage 1 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade is expected to commence mid-year.
Information source: Media release, May 19, City of Newcastle
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