The first phase of a major upgrade to Newcastle Ocean Baths is scheduled to begin on March 14, with the facility expected to close for over a year. The $14.5 million project aims to improve safety, water quality, and accessibility, focusing on the pools, lower promenade, and pumping system.
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes stated that the council worked with the contractor to limit disruption to one summer season. The upgrade includes retaining the iconic bleacher seating, renewing the boardwalk, and installing a new pump system capable of replacing the water within six hours, significantly enhancing water quality.
However, the renovation has been controversial among some pool users, particularly the decision to concrete the pool floor. Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc welcomed the overdue commencement but expressed frustration that their concerns about the concrete slab were stonewalled.
The council clarified that the sand floor amenity will be retained, with the concrete capping the undulating rock bottom to improve safety and water quality. Sand will continue to accumulate naturally, and the council may manually add fresh sand after annual cleaning.
Stage one also includes accessibility improvements for people with disabilities, such as ramp access and handrail support. Funding comes from $9.5 million from the sale of the Fred Ash building and $3 million from the NSW Government's Public Spaces Legacy Program.
The next stage, focusing on the pavilion and surrounding areas, is subject to community consultation expected to begin this year.
