City of Newcastle Council has lodged a development application for the revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths pavilion building, marking the final stage in the landmark project.
The pavilion building makeover will include its distinctive Art Deco façade, which will undergo conservation and refurbishment works including measures to retain its structural stability.
The application also includes upgrades to the upper promenade and surrounding areas to create a safer, more inviting and inclusive destination for all members of the community.
Council Interim Executive Director City Infrastructure, Rob Dudgeon said the lodging of the DA was a significant milestone for the project, which preserves the heritage of the facility while ensuring it is fit-for-purpose for future generations.
“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have contributed to the social, historical and cultural fabric of our city for more than 100 years,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“They have become an iconic visual symbol of Newcastle’s coastal lifestyle and continue to be an important destination for community connection, recreation and leisure.
“The upgrades delivered to the pool and lower promenade have been embraced by the community, with more than 181,000 people visiting between September 2024 and April 2025.
“This next stage of work will restore, protect and enhance the pavilion buildings and surrounding areas to ensure the much-loved facility remains accessible to all Novocastrians for generations to come.”
The project includes upgraded pedestrian access from Shortland Esplanade to the front of the building, where visitors can appreciate the Art Deco façade before making their way through to the upper promenade.
An expanded café and kiosk will be incorporated into the southern wing of the building, providing both sit-down dining and takeaway options. A community space adjacent to the café will be bookable through Council, providing another option for community groups looking for somewhere to gather and meet.
New shade structures and seating will be installed overlooking the adjoining Canoe Pool, with informal terraces offering additional spaces for people to sit and relax.
The northern pavilion building will feature inclusive changerooms that cater for all members of the community, including accessible amenities, a ‘Changing Places’ facility and two private family / non-gendered facilities. The amenities will include a mix of open and enclosed spaces for changing, as well as new toilets and showers.
The project’s design has been updated in response to feedback from the community and Heritage NSW, as well as considerations from technical studies.
Key changes include a revised north-south layout for the changerooms, creating a central entry point facing the Baths, as well as an increase in changing space.
The height of the roof over the amenities has also been increased to provide natural light and an open air feeling balanced with privacy, security and protection for the historic façade.
More outdoor seating and spaces for picnics have been incorporated into the design, along with a second service window for the kiosk overlooking the pool.
Mr Dudgeon said the community would have a chance to provide feedback on the development application before it is assessed for determination by the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
If approved, the detailed design will be finalised ahead of a call for tender for construction.
During this time, Council says activities will also be underway to identify a suitable operator for the lease of the café and kiosk.
To find out the latest details including information on how to provide feedback when the Development Application goes live on the NSW Planning Portal and public exhibition starts, visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.
