newy.com.au – Revised plans for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will go on public exhibition for 28 days later this month, with City of Newcastle aiming to award a construction tender in mid-2028.
The amended design changes the location and layout of amenities, reduces the proposed community space and revises the pavilion roof. It also includes measures intended to better preserve the heritage-listed site’s seawall and Art Deco façade.
The final stage covers the pavilion buildings, upper promenade and surrounding areas. A development application was lodged in November last year, but the council altered the design after receiving feedback from the community, Heritage NSW, the NSW Heritage Council and its Urban Design Review Panel.
The amenities will have a more open layout to improve movement through the building, while retaining privacy options for children, families and vulnerable users.
Accessible amenities and a Changing Places facility will be moved to the southern pavilion, closer to accessible parking and the pool access ramp. Family change rooms will be spread across the southern and central pavilions, requiring a reduction in the size of the community space.
The pavilion’s proposed roof has also been simplified. It will have a glazed finish designed to sit visually above the original building, allowing more natural light and ventilation, with an engineered timber frame.
Tiered seating near the Canoe Pool will be changed to highlight and preserve the historic seawall, while a second awning will be added to the Art Deco façade.
Plans for a café and kiosk in the building’s southern wing remain, with sit-down and takeaway service proposed. The operating plan would allow earlier opening hours for morning swimmers.
Lord mayor Gavin Morris said community views had helped shape the revised proposal.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths belong to us all. Ask any Novocastrian about them and you’ll get a story. They’re more than a swimming pool. They are a part of our history, our coastline, and our identity,” Cr Morris said.
He said the council had worked with heritage authorities, independent design reviewers and technical experts to balance preservation with accessibility and day-to-day use.
City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said there was overlap between the council’s redesign and a concept recently presented by the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths.
“We all want to see the heritage of this much-loved place respected, better access for the community and facilities that will serve Newcastle well into the future,” Mr Bath said.
The council will seek approval for the amended development application before completing detailed design work and awarding a construction tender.
“Our goal now is to have our DA approved, then move into the detailed design stage before awarding a tender for construction in mid-2028,” Mr Bath said.
Exhibition details and instructions for lodging feedback will be published on the Newcastle Ocean Baths project page.
