A multi-million-dollar windfall will accelerate the delivery of the city’s largest playground at Foreshore Park, according to Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

The 8,400 square metre Livvi’s Place inclusive recreational and waterplay area form the centrepiece of City of Newcastle’s (CN) Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.

And, the development received the green light at Tuesday night’s council meeting following extensive community consultation throughout the design process and a recent four-week public exhibition.

While the venture will be delivered in phases, the first stage is due to start construction in 2023.

Initial concepts included in the masterplan feature junior and toddler areas, water-based play, a giant maritime-inspired swing set with inclusive swings, natured-based play areas and quiet space, connected via accessible paths, seating, gardens and lawns.

The playground will boast a distinctly Newcastle character and pay tribute to the city’s Aboriginal heritage, too, with a central whale-themed swing area while giant canoe-shaped communal benches in the tree-studded picnic area offer a place of respite.

An elevated climbing structure at the heart of the playground will represent giant nuts and bolts, symbolising the city’s strong industrial ties.

It’ll also contain slides, nets and sensory activities, while a surrounding accessible soft-fall area will include carousels, trampolines, rockers and a dual accessible flying fox.

The area will have a waterplay zone, unique to Newcastle, accessible amenities including a changing places room, and a kiosk, which will service the wider Foreshore Park.

Cr Nelmes said the recent $2.7 million NSW Government grant would help kick-start stage one of the $12 million project.

“Council will now get to work on delivering this shared community vision for the iconic Harbour Foreshore precinct,” she stated.

“I’m sure it’ll create a drawcard destination for locals and visitors, as well, from across the region to enjoy.

“CN continues to invest significantly in recreation opportunities for our community.

“So, I’m pleased to see the NSW Government demonstrating its support for our ambitious plans at Foreshore Park through this funding.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the financial assistance highlighted the benefits of the Resources for Regions program.

“This (Foreshore Park) will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can come together, have some fun and enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer,” he added.

“This is exactly the kind of project Resources for Regions was designed for, helping mining communities that contribute so much to the NSW economy.

“The playground precinct will offer something for everyone, with an elevated tree-lined boardwalk, accessible amenities, picnic areas and plenty of play spaces and equipment to enjoy.” 

The Harbour Foreshore Masterplan is designed to create new connections between the city and the harbour’s edge around Foreshore Park and along Joy Cummings Promenade.

It comprises increasing the amount of shaded canopy within Foreshore Park by 250% from 2,800 sqm to 9,800 sqm.

The Livvi’s Place playground will be developed in collaboration with Touched by Olivia and Variety – the Children’s Charity, who have provided funding and expertise to assist with the design phase.

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