Plans for a new hospitality venue at the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths could include the sale of alcoholic drinks and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the pools, according to operational documents lodged with the local council.
Operational Details and Proposed Hours
The City of Newcastle has submitted a development application for the second stage of the ocean baths upgrade, which focuses on the pavilion building. Included within this application is an operational management plan for the proposed cafe and restaurant.
The plan suggests the venue could operate from 6am to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and extend to midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The final opening hours would be set by the future operator who secures the lease.
In terms of capacity, the management plan outlines space for 88 patrons on the ground floor and an additional 56 on the second floor. A key feature of the design is a rooftop terrace that would overlook the historic swimming baths.
Alcohol Service and Community Concerns
The operational plan explicitly includes provisions for the responsible service of alcohol. It states that alcohol would be confined to the cafe area and would not be permitted in the proposed community space or other areas of the baths complex.
This aspect of the plan has sparked discussion within the community. Peter Wickham, president of the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths, noted that the public notice for the proposed five-year lease did not mention these operational details, including the potential for alcohol sales.
A council spokesperson clarified that the City of Newcastle itself does not have a formal position on serving alcohol at the future kiosk. The decision to apply for a liquor licence would rest with the future operator and would be subject to independent assessment by Liquor and Gaming NSW.
The spokesperson drew parallels to other coastal venues, stating, "Similar licensing arrangements operate at other coastal cafes and surf club facilities across NSW." Any licence would require that the primary activity remain the preparation and service of meals.
Lease Process and Next Steps
The council recently closed a public submission period on its intention to offer a five-year lease for the cafe, with an option for a further five-year extension. Submissions closed on December 22, 2025.
Council staff will now review the feedback before the elected council votes on whether to send the proposal to the Minister for Local Government for final approval.
The development application for the entire stage two upgrade, which includes the cafe build, remains on public exhibition until January 27.
The inclusion of a kiosk or cafe was identified during earlier community consultation as an important feature to activate the site and improve the visitor experience. However, the consultation report also noted a split in community opinion, with some strongly opposed to alcohol availability and others supportive of a venue similar to the Merewether Surfhouse.
