Given the significance of the Baths, the Development Application will be assessed by the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, an independent body that determines regionally significant development applications. You can find out more about Planning Panels and how they work here.

The Development Application for the stage two development is being exhibited, and all submissions received will be assessed by the Planning Panel to inform their determination.

We are also facilitating a public exhibition on draft proposed lease terms for the future café/kiosk, with information on how to make a submission available on our website.

Stage Two of our revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths will see the renewal of the pavilion buildings, delivering new amenities that include a mix of open and enclosed spaces for changing, as well as new toilets and showers. The upgrade will also include a changing places facility, an accessible toilet and two private family / agender facilities. We’re designing these facilities to meet the needs of our whole community both now and into the future, recognising that everyone’s needs are different. This mix provides more options for visitors including those who want more privacy than the current amenities offer, and those who need extra space for specialised equipment or support.

As part of the upgrade, you’ll also be able to grab a bite to eat as part of your visit, either at the café or the kiosk. Whether you are on the go and want something to take home, or you want to enjoy the fresh ocean air at the informal seating areas, there will be a range of options in addition to sit-down dining at the café. And yes, you can still bring a picnic from home!

Feedback received from the community since 2014 (11 years) has presented strong views both for and against introduction of a roof over the amenities.

The inclusion of a roof on the amenities building directly aligns with international best-practice guidelines for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behaviour through thoughtful design and effective use of the built environment. One of its core principles is ensuring clear lines of sight to key structures, which enhances natural surveillance and reduces opportunities for crime.

In this context, the design of the amenities building supports CPTED principles by:

• Maintaining unobstructed sightlines to the building exterior, allowing passersby, staff, and security personnel to easily observe activity around the structure. This visibility discourages loitering and other unwanted behaviours.
• Minimising concealed or hidden areas that could otherwise facilitate offences or antisocial conduct.
• Increasing the likelihood of detection, as visible spaces are less attractive to potential offenders.
• Controlling access across the site, guiding movement through clearly defined pathways and entry points.

Importantly, the focus is on visibility to the building, not inside it; interior visibility can sometimes compromise privacy and inadvertently create opportunities for crime. The roof also plays a protective role, helping to preserve the much-loved façade by shielding it from the harsh coastal environment, and preventing after hours access into the facility, thereby extending the life of the structure and reducing vandalism and damage to the interior taps and showers. We have also consulted with Heritage NSW on the design, including the roof design, and finalised the proposed design which forms our Development Application.

We’ve made several changes to the proposed design in response to feedback received during community consultation:

• In the Northern Pavilion, we have:
  • changed the design from an east / west split of changerooms to a north / south configuration to enhance passive surveillance of the amenities entry.
  • revised the layout to provide additional bench space for changing.
  • introduced a shared entry hand basin area to improve passive surveillance and functionality.
  • made the access for the non-gendered facilities, family change rooms, and Changing Places amenities via the shared wash basin area - all located in the same space.
  • included additional picnic tables added along the Northern Pavilion façade.
  • increased the number of bike racks to support active transport.
• In the Central Pavilion, we have:
  • included an upper-level operational space for our Aquatics and Facilities teams
• In the Southern Pavilion, we have:
  • included an additional café sales window on the Eastern façade.
  • incorporated an outdoor rooftop terrace which will be associated with the café.
• For the Canoe Pool, we have:
  • revised the terraced seating to better accommodate family groups and make it easier for everyone to use.
  • reconfirmed that the divider walls adjacent to the tables will remain in a new form.