The Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group (CRG) was commended for its role in the new-look multi-million-dollar facility.
Members of the local body, along with sections of the media, were given a sneak peek of the refurbishments on Friday 15 December, ahead of the complex’s planned re-opening on 21 December.
City of Newcastle (CN) executive manager project management office Robert Dudgeon admitted the site tour recognised the time and energy the CRG had invested into shaping the upgrade over a number of years.
“We were able to demonstrate the significant work that has gone into the enhancement of the pool and promenade areas,” he said.
“We’ve undertaken a period of testing and commissioning for the new pump system over recent weeks, and with that process nearing completion, our contractor will be applying the finishing touches to the pool and surrounding areas before we welcome the community back for swimming.”
Construction will continue at the southern end of the locale, with minor works near the Canoe Pool set to be complete in early 2024.
The site’s existing amenities and change facilities should be open for use in line with the return to swimming, with Tonkin Zulaikha Greer working to prepare concepts for the future upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.
“Appointment of the principal design consultant in September was an important step for the project,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“It brought together feedback from the community and the findings of technical studies to develop more detailed options for the upgraded pavilion buildings.
“The intention is to deliver a facility that welcomes all visitors in an accessible and inclusive way, is sensitive to the site’s heritage, and resilient to coastal inundation and predicted sea level rise.
“Exploring options for community space at the baths site is part of CN’s vision of providing an equitably distributed, sustainably managed and inclusive network of public places and spaces, as outlined in the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes is inviting residents to celebrate the project milestone with a morning swim event from 7.30am on Thursday 21 December, with music, free coffee and the opportunity to capture a Summer Santa photo on the newly restored bleacher seating.
“I am pleased to see this important venture progress and to have Novocastrians back in the baths this summer,” she said.
“Growing up in Newcastle, I spent many summers forming happy childhood memories at the ocean baths.
“This upgrade will ensure generations of Novocastrians will be able to create their own special memories at this popular community facility, starting with our opening swim event next Thursday.”
The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.
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- Port of Newcastle wins sustainability award
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