City of Newcastle has refined its design for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, ensuring the revitalised community facility is purpose-built for generations to enjoy.
Key changes have been made to the layout and location of the amenities, design of the roof and retention of heritage elements, providing a balance between preservation, functionality and community expectations.
An updated render showing the revitalised facade of the Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said he was pleased to see strong feedback from the community, Heritage NSW, the NSW Heritage Council and the Urban Design Review Panel all help shape the design that will go on public exhibition.
"The Newcastle Ocean Baths are a much-loved part of our city, so it's only natural that people have passionate views about their future," Cr Morris said.
"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.
"Following the many impassioned conversations during the by-election and since, I presented a Lord Mayoral Minute to Council in May to ensure the community's voice was integral to the revised design process.
"The Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 2 development has seen Council work closely with Heritage NSW, independent design reviewers and our technical experts to make sure the plans strike the right balance between preserving what makes the Baths special and creating a facility that works well for everyone.
"The updated design gives us an opportunity to deliver a facility that feels open, inviting and easy to use, while respecting the character and history of the site.
"Most importantly, it will provide a safe and accessible place for the community to enjoy now and well into the future."
An updated render of the female amenities showing the more open layout and new roof design
A development application for the final stage of the revitalisation project, including the pavilion buildings, upper promenade and surrounding areas, was lodged in November last year.
City of Newcastle received feedback from Heritage NSW, the Urban Design Review Panel and the community, which was used to guide the final design.
A more open layout has been introduced to the amenities to make it easier for people to move around, balanced with improved privacy options for users, including children, families and vulnerable people.
The accessible amenities and Changing Places facility have been relocated to the southern pavilion closer to the accessible parking spaces and pool access ramp for added convenience.
Family change rooms have been redistributed across the southern and central pavilions, while the community space has been reduced to accommodate these changes.
The pavilion's roof has also been refined to better balance openness, comfort, privacy and protection from the elements.
It features a simplified design and glazed finish that "floats" above the original building to maximise natural light and ventilation, while an engineered timber frame combines strength and durability with a warm, natural appearance.
An updated render showing changes to the tiered seating near the Canoe Pool to better retain the view of the historic seawall
Other key updates enhance the site's heritage elements, with changes to the tiered seating adjacent to the Canoe Pool to highlight and preserve the historic seawall, while the Art Deco façade will be enhanced with the addition of a second awning to add balance to the front of the building.
A café and kiosk remain part of the plans in the southern wing of the building, providing both sit-down dining and takeaway options, with the operational plan allowing for earlier opening hours to service the early morning Baths users.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the focus has always been on creating a Newcastle Ocean Baths precinct the whole community can feel proud of.
"It's great to see so much overlap between our redesign and the concept shared with the community earlier this month by the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths," Mr Bath said.
"While there have been different ideas and approaches considered along the way, there's a strong shared vision for what the future of the Baths can be.
"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.
"We believe the amended design gives us a practical way forward, moving this long-awaited project towards construction and delivering the improvements the community has been waiting for.
"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."
Information on how to provide feedback will be available on the project page on City of Newcastle's website when the amended development application is placed on public exhibition later this month for 28 days.
