BY DAKOTA TAIT
The Newcastle Ocean Baths has shut its doors today and won't be open for at least another year, as revitalisation works kick off, including a new pump system and a renewed boardwalk.
A controversial plan to concrete the pool's rock floor is also on the agenda, despite community opposition.
The Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths is hopeful the Council will respect their application for an interim heritage order at the site, which the group describes a last resort to stop the concreting project.
There's concern, capping the natural rock floor will inhibit the amount of sand in the pool.
Group spokesperson Tony Brown says while some of the works are overdue, the Council is also overstepping.
"We really welcome the commencement of urgent works today to make the pool safer," Mr Brown said.
"We welcome introducing a much better pumping system to improve the quality of the water, but we're strongly opposed against this massive $1.5 million concrete slab."
The group says there's been little communication or consultation with the community, a claim denied by Newcastle Council.
It's unclear when a call will be made on the site's heritage status.
Mr Brown says if the project goes ahead, it could "irreversibly damage the unique cultural heritage".
"We are really looking forward to the decision from Heritage NSW," Mr Brown said.
"We may be seeking the NSW Minister for Local Government's support, to ensure that there's genuine consultation with the community and that any changes are based on the evidence and the facts."
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| Image credit: newcastle.nsw.gov.au |
