New showers, toilets, change rooms, and aquatic wheelchair storage will be built at the Belmont Baths as part of a $720,000 update of the amenities facilities.
Lake Macquarie City Council has announced plans to demolish the old amenities block to make way for the brand new facility.
The upgrade is being supported by the NSW state government's Stronger Country Communities Fund, which will contribute to the facility's upgrade of its change rooms and parking.
Accessibility at the site will be brought to standard, complementing the installation of a wheelchair ramp into the baths in December.
Four additional toilets will be installed, as well as ambulant and family change rooms.
Brendan Callander from Lake Macquarie City Council says the works will make Belmont Baths even better for locals and visitors alike.
"Any time we add something like this, it really does give that facility a real boost for the community. It freshens it up and makes it look great," he said.
"The new baths facility has been really well received by the community and I think this will only add to that."
Among the biggest changes will be the construction of an aquatic wheelchair storage area, which will allow persons with a disability to swim in the water.
Brendan Callander says there's plenty in store for swimmers, including swimmers using a wheelchair.
"The baths have got an accessible ramp and these facilities will provide not only change room facilities for people with a disability, but also storage for an aquatic wheelchair.
"That will mean people will be able to use the news ramps with a wheelchair that can actually access the water," he said.
Two disabled parking spaces will also be upgraded as part of the plan.
Work will begin early next week on the demolition and construction of the amenities, and temporary toilets will be provided during construction.
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| The upgraded amenities will complete the site following the 2018 upgrade to the baths. Photo: Lake Macquarie Council |
