VIDEO & IMAGES: Newcastle Community Shapes the Future of Ocean Baths Revitalisation

6 February 2025

newy.com.au – The City of Newcastle is advancing plans for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, following extensive community feedback.

An engagement campaign conducted between 17 June and 5 August last year saw significant public interest, with the project information accessed almost half a million times. The City of Newcastle has now published the outcomes of this consultation on its website after a recent workshop brought newly elected councillors up to speed on the initiative.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“The Baths are a treasured heritage icon in our city, with countless memories formed and cherished by both locals and visitors. Engaging the community in the upgrade process is essential,” Mr Bath said.

The proposed concept includes a revitalisation of the pavilion buildings while maintaining the iconic Art Deco façade. Enhancements to the upper promenade and surrounding areas are also part of the plan.

More than 500 individual pieces of community feedback were received through social media and in-person events, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives. Key concerns raised included seating and shade provisions, change room layouts, and mixed views on the proposed roof design.

Executive Director of City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the insights provided by the public were instrumental in shaping the next phase of the project.

“The feedback covered a range of issues, from seating and shade to how the change rooms are structured. There were varying opinions on the roof design as well,” Mr Thomson said.

“As we move into the detailed design phase, we will use this feedback alongside technical studies to refine the final design. For example, based on community input, we are considering a north-south change room layout instead of the initially proposed east-west configuration, as well as ways to improve natural lighting and ventilation through the roof.”

The design, prepared by renowned firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, continues to incorporate community feedback while also drawing on expert insights from heritage, environmental, engineering, and architectural professionals.

The Newcastle Ocean Baths site is recognised as a heritage item under the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and must comply with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979. The design process also considers the potential for a State Heritage Listing.

With the engagement phase complete, the City of Newcastle will seek planning approval through a development application, including consultation with Heritage NSW. Once approved, detailed design work for Stage Two will commence, with the aim of beginning construction within the current council term.

Meanwhile, the City of Newcastle remains committed to maintaining a high-quality experience for swimmers, with inspections and a deep clean of the Baths scheduled later this month.

“It’s been just over a year since the pool reopened after the Stage One upgrade. Now that the peak holiday season has passed, it’s the right time to assess the pool’s condition,” Mr Thomson said.

“On Monday, 24 February, our team will close and drain the Baths to clear built-up sand and inspect the pool floor and walls. This will also be an opportunity to conduct a deep clean, ensuring continued water quality for swimmers.”

The Newcastle Ocean Baths will be closed for up to a week, depending on weather conditions. In the meantime, swimmers can visit Merewether Ocean Baths, nearby beaches, or inland pools.

For more details, the full Engagement Report is available at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay, and the latest updates on cleaning and closures can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/oceanbaths.