'Generational investment': City of Newcastle council's final Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade plan

The council said the first stage of the plan would address safety, accessibility and water quality issues that arose during consultation with engineers and patrons.

The bleacher seating will be retained, the boardwalk will get a facelift and a new pump station capable of replacing the baths' water within six hours will be installed.

The pool's rock bottom will be capped with concrete in a move the council said would increase safety and water quality, with sand still building up on its surface.

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said feedback had honed plans for ramp access, replacing the Art Deco circular stairs and what material should be used on the boardwalk.

"The final design for Stage 1 captures what the community told us was important to them," Cr Nelmes said.

"This is a generational investment in the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which will celebrate its 100th birthday next year, which is why City of Newcastle have meticulously worked with both the community and experts to ensure what's delivered meets the needs of current and future users."

The council's acting director of infrastructure and property, Joanne Rigby, said staff would "work with preferred tenderers" to minimise disruption during the works.

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"We're asking tenderers to come up with a construction program that will see the least possible disruption to the thousands of people who enjoy Newcastle Ocean Baths every year," Ms Rigby said.

Mark Metrikas, chair of the Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust, said heritage was incorporated in the plan.

"I was actually delighted that the circa 1937 art deco bleachers and 1948 boardwalk are retained, and in the case of the boardwalk, improved," Mr Metrikas said.

"It took a bit of work to get the design right to retain these important elements and we've worked alongside City of Newcastle to provide that input."

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