{"id":5019,"date":"2020-02-03T23:18:21","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T23:18:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=5019"},"modified":"2020-02-03T23:18:21","modified_gmt":"2020-02-03T23:18:21","slug":"city-to-fund-ocean-baths-restorations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2020\/02\/03\/city-to-fund-ocean-baths-restorations\/","title":{"rendered":"City to fund ocean baths restorations"},"content":{"rendered":"

City of Newcastle has committed to funding the restoration of both Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths following an unsuccessful expressions of interest (EOI) process.
\nWith no EOI submissions progressing beyond an initial panel review, City of Newcastle will form a community reference group by the end of the month to guide\u00a0the\u00a0restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths and commence further engagement on the Merewether pavilion later this year.
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\nThe current round of community engagement is due to conclude at the end of February while initial planning continues, including detailed site investigations to further understand the condition of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the level of rectification required.
\n\u201cI\u2019m determined to see the Newcastle Ocean Baths become an asset all Novocastrians can be proud of,\u201d Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.
\n\u201cThis means converting feedback from the current community engagement process into the preliminary design that once costed, can be further tested with the community to ensure the Newcastle Ocean Baths receives an appropriate restoration 98 years after it was first built.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve made a great start on understanding what the community want from the Baths with more than 600 comments already logged on the City\u2019s ideas wall. Intercept surveys are taking place at the Baths and other city locations before the end of February.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ll now progress with forming a community reference group that represents user groups, the local business community and broader ratepayer base with the aim of holding our first meeting next month.
\n\u201cThe Baths are a treasured part of Newcastle\u2019s history. Developed responsibly and with respect to its local heritage, we will deliver public baths that remain appealing to people throughout our city and one of our key tourism drawcards. This includes protection of its facade, the blue-stepped bleaches and its free entry to swim all year round.\u201d
\nThe Newcastle Coastal Plan of Management,\u00a0adopted by Council\u00a0in 2015,\u00a0prescribed\u00a0an expression of interest (EOI) for the pavilions and identified cafes, kiosks and restaurants as potential future uses, with the stipulation that revenue be re-invested in coastal upgrades and maintenance.
\nThe City invited EOIs in November\u00a02019\u00a0before bringing forward engagement following incorrect claims that the Newcastle and Merewether Baths would be privatised.
\nUnder the EOI, the City committed to retaining Newcastle Ocean Baths\u2019 iconic art-deco fa\u00e7ade and bleacher seating, while providing renewed public change rooms with hot water showers and improving shading, car parking, disability access and seating in line with previous engagement results.
\nCity of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure Ken Liddell said the City would review the community engagement results before preparing draft concept plans.
\n\u201cCommunity consultation will be maintained through a reference group,\u00a0while\u00a0information sessions and\u00a0a\u00a0public exhibition will be held to present concept plans\u00a0to the\u00a0broader community\u00a0before Councillors review and approve any restoration,\u201d Mr Liddell said.
\n\u201cI expect the concept plan will be completed this year with detailed design works to follow in preparation for construction work to start in 2021.\u201d
\nCity of Newcastle will form its Newcastle Ocean Baths community reference group in February with invitations to user groups and stakeholders along with an EOI for broader community\u00a0involvement.
\nCommunity reference group\u00a0<\/strong>
\nThe stakeholder groups\u00a0to be invited\u00a0to\u00a0be part of\u00a0the community reference group (CRG) will include, but not be limited to:<\/p>\n