BY CAMERON TARAGEL
Community groups are still concerned over proposed updates to the Newcastle Ocean Baths, as Council reveals updated plans.
After significant community backlash on Council's proposed design of the historic structure, an updated design of the Bath's Stage 2 redevelopment has been released.
The new plans will now include a kiosk, accessible ramps and a more open layout.
The changing rooms will be relocated closer to the accessible parking spaces with an additional access ramp.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said he's pleased to see such strong feedback from the community.
"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," he said.
"They are a part of our history, our coastline, and our identity."
However, community group Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths (FONOB) are still calling for alterations to the newly released plans.
The pavilion's roof has been a major point of contention between council and the group, who have actively pushed for open-air change rooms.
In response, Council has altered the design to feature a simplified glass roof and glazed finish which will "float" above the building as an attempt to maximise natural light.
FONOB President Peter Wickham said the new roof is a good start but still covers the entire building.
"It doesn't give that really direct feel of sunlight and views of the sky and that wonderful sense of being outdoors that you get in the current change rooms," he said.
"Hearing the sounds of the people outside and hearing the ocean pounding, that's a unique experience of Newcastle Ocean Baths."
He also said the notion is echoed by the community but has been ignored.
"3,000 people on a petition that we presented to Council around 12 months ago certainly expressed that feeling," he said.
"It's an integral part of the cultural practice of Newcastle Ocean Baths."
Another issue with the new design is the continued inclusion of a commercial cafe.
Following significant community concerns around the commercial premises, the cafe will see a reduction in size and be included in the design alongside a kiosk.
Peter Wickham said although the kiosk is welcomed, the cafe infringes on public property.
"We don't know whether it's gonna be an 80-seat cafe or a 90-seat cafe, it's unclear at this stage," he said.
"For example, on the upper promenade there's still a strip reserved for the cafe patrons.
"We believe that in a heritage listed public place, that's unacceptable to take that away from the public.
"We question why a state-owned listed public swimming facility really needs that level of commercialisation at all."
He added the cafe hasn't proven to be successful in actuality.
"We haven't seen the evidence that the business case that it's viable," he said.
"We don't believe that public space should be surrendered unnecessarily to support a commercial operation."
A public submission period will begin in late August, which Mr Wickham said they'll use to advocate against the new design.
"Once that period starts, we'll certainly be encouraging people to put in a submission for that Revised DA," he said.
"If you go anything by what happened last night [August 18] at the actual council chambers, my headcount of people in the chamber last night was at least 40.
"I know that a number of people were turned away at the doors because of lack of space.
"So people are still very interested."
Council said they're hoping once the DA is approved, to award a construction tender in mid-2028.
Updated render of Newcastle Ocean Baths facade. Picture: City of Newcastle
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