Newcastle’s Scenic Shortland Esplanade Reopens to Pedestrians and Cyclists

2 August 2024

You can now walk from Merewether, across the Anzac Memorial Walk, into King Edward Park, down the steps and in to Newcastle Beach along the bathers way.

Site Address (Use Google Maps To Navigate): 30 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East, NSW 2300

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Newcastle East, NSW – After 22 years of temporary fixes and closures due to severe rockfall hazards, the picturesque stretch of Shortland Esplanade from Newcastle Beach to King Edward Park, South of Newcastle Beach has been rejuvenated to a world-class, ultra-modern standard and officially reopened exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s coastal revitalisation project, blending its rich history with modern recreational facilities.

Shortland Esplanade was initially closed to vehicles in 2002 following a major rockfall incident. The Newcastle City Council, implemented extensive rockfall protection measures, including rock face bolting and the installation of rockfall barriers. These efforts have been periodically reassessed to maintain their effectiveness, especially in the face of increasingly extreme weather events. Despite additional rockfall events, such as the one in March 2021, the council has remained committed rejuvenation of the coastal route.

On Friday afternoon, 2nd August 2024 at 12:40pm, the City of Newcastle made a formal announcement then reopened the Bathers Way. The event featured Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, and Paralympian and Inclusion Advocate Paul Nunnari.

Over the years, although the road was closed to vehicular traffic, it remained accessible to pedestrians and cyclists at times, with several temporary closures for safety assessments and infrastructure improvements. The City of Newcastle introduced new pedestrian crossings and improved walkways as part of the Bathers Way project, enhancing the overall accessibility and safety for foot and bike traffic.

The Skate Bowl Project: A Tale of Delays and Perseverance

The installation of a skate bowl faced numerous challenges. It was initially integrated into the broader upgrade plan for the Bathers Way, which included improvements to parking, landscaping, lighting, accessibility, and the installation of fitness equipment, however the skate bowl project was delayed significantly.

The primary contractor, Lloyd Group, went into voluntary administration, causing major setbacks. Daracon was appointed as the new contractor, but the transition was fraught with difficulties including escalating labour and material costs and the need to rectify defective work left by the previous contractor. Additionally, drainage issues and weather-related damage further delayed the project. Despite these obstacles, the Newcastle City Council remained determined to complete the project.

Historical Significance Along the Route

The Shortland Esplanade area is steeped in history, adding a rich narrative to the scenic route. One of the significant historical landmarks is the Bogey Hole, a convict-built ocean bath dating back to 1819. This heritage-listed site is a testament to Newcastle’s early colonial history and continues to be a popular spot for swimmers and history enthusiasts.

Recent Archaeological Insights

A recent archaeological report by the Archaeological Management & Consulting Group for the Newcastle City Council highlighted the historical significance of the area. The study site, which includes Fort Scratchley and the surrounding coastal region, was a focal point for coal mining during the early European settlement of Newcastle. Despite extensive monitoring, no significant archaeological deposits were found in the areas investigated.

Cost

The City of Newcastle initially quoted the Bathers Way skate park construction at $12.6 million, with the most updated project value listed at $20.1 million inclusive of GST. This reopening marks a new chapter for Newcastle, blending its rich history with modern recreational facilities, and promises to be a vibrant and attractive hub for both residents and visitors .