Residents have been given a first glimpse of the exciting possibilities, which await one of Port Stephens’ most iconic locations.
Eagerly-anticipated concept plans for the future of Tomaree Lodge – commissioned by the NSW Government – were shared with the community at a public event on Wednesday 27 August.
It followed input submitted in the 2023 Have Your Say survey, as well as contributions from local interest groups.
It’s understood shops, an ocean bath, art gallery and museum were high on the agenda.
Design consultant SHAC Architects provided a detailed site assessment, taking in the locale’s significant cultural, heritage and environmental value, along with several constraints that may arise moving forward.
It determined, while some of the ideas put forward were not viable, there were many positive community notions to hold a range of recreational, educational, conservation and social uses.
“We congratulate everyone for their collaborative and creative placemaking,” SHAC managing director Justin Hamilton FAIA said.
“As local architects, we’re privileged to have curated custodianship principles for this significant cultural landscape, the water, the land, the forests and the heritage, alongside and for people with common unity.
“We are excited to share these preliminary concepts for a framework for conservation, celebration, innovation and education for generations.”
The concept plan paves the way for further feedback and community consultation.
SHAC is working closely in collaboration with the Community Engagement Committee, comprised of local representatives; the NSW Government Steering Committee, consisting government agencies; Hunter Circles; and Worimi community leaders to incorporate and acknowledge the views of all stakeholders.
These groups will continue to play a key role to help guide decision-making on both short-term “meanwhile use” initiatives outlined in the concepts and to solidify longer-term plans to enhance the site’s potential for future public use.
The release of the concept plan marks the next step in the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to keep Tomaree Lodge in public hands for the benefit of the community, too.
It builds on other recent improvements, like the opening of an on-site information hub earlier this year, as well as new beach showers, public seating, tables, and signage and wayfinding.
“Tomaree Lodge is an incredible local site,” Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said.
“So, I’m pleased to have shared this concept plan with the community.
“It identifies various opportunities for the future of the Tomaree Lodge site that have been informed by local consultation and suggestions.
“The NSW Government is committed to keeping Tomaree Lodge in public hands and ensuring it remains a valuable community asset for generations to come.
“SHAC Architects has done a wonderful job exploring the many possibilities put forward by the community, and identifying which opportunities are viable considering the significant constraints on the site.
“I was able to secure $4.6 million in the budget this year, so we can start to implement some of the immediate opportunities while we continue to land the longer-term vision.
“I look forward to working closely with everyone as we turn concepts into plans… and then bring those plans to life.”
To access more information, visit: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/tomaree-lodge/preliminary-concepts-for-tomaree-lodge.html
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