City of Newcastle has delivered the next stage of its landmark Bathers Way coastal revitalisation project, transforming South Newcastle Beach into a vibrant hub for community activity.
The upgraded shared pathway reopened to the public today as part of the multi-faceted project, which also includes the Hunter's first wheelchair-accessible (WCMX) skate bowl.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Paralympian Paul Nunnari with City of Newcastle staff and community members cutting the ribbon to officially open the Bathers Way South Newcastle Beach upgrade.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the renewal of this precinct, which is located along an important stretch of coastline.
"The Bathers Way provides an accessible and inclusive opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy six kilometres of Newcastle's incredible coastline," Cr Nelmes said.
"I am thrilled to see the completion of these works at South Newcastle Beach, and to welcome the community back into this space to enjoy the new facilities.
"This project doesn't just represent an investment in important coastal assets like the seawall at the southern end of the site, but an investment in quality public spaces for all of the community, young and old, to enjoy."
The four-metre-wide pathway provides a more accessible connection between Shortland Esplanade and King Edward Park and forms a key link in Bathers Way coastal walk, which links the city's five iconic beaches.
Opportunities for passive and active recreation have been created to re-activate the precinct, with new seating, shade and viewing areas along the upper and lower promenades, while exercise equipment delivers an outdoor gym experience with a panoramic outlook.
Newcastle's thriving surf and skate community have been well catered for with new amenities including outdoor showers where beachgoers can rinse off, as well as a $1.8 million inclusive skate bowl and terrain park for skaters, scooters and riders including wheelchair athletes of all skill levels, providing an alternative to the advanced-level facilities at nearby Empire Park.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the focus on inclusive design in earlier stages of the project has been brought to life through the project's delivery.
"We know how much the community values this section of coastline, and through community consultation we heard how important the renewal of the assets in this area was to create a safer, more inclusive and vibrant public space," Cr Clausen said.
"Through collaboration with a range of subject matter experts and our Community Reference Group we were able to refine the design, and ultimately deliver a precinct that is significantly more accessible and provides a more inviting space for people to pause and take in the views while on a walk, although swimmers are reminded to stay safe and continue to swim between the flags at the northern end of the beach.
"The upgrade has also delivered a unique sporting facility not just for Newcastle, but for our region. The South Newcastle Beach site will become an inclusive hub for skateboarders, scooter and bike riders that enhances our ability to host events and competitions, which in turn drives growth in the sport and contributes to the local economy."
Paralympian and Inclusion Consultant Paul Nunnari said it was fantastic to see City of Newcastle incorporate the needs of all members of the community into the design for this upgrade.
"City of Newcastle's Bathers Way upgrade at South Newcastle Beach offers a new benchmark for inclusive facilities and design along our coastline, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy Newcastle's great beaches, recreational facilities and unique way of life," Mr Nunnari said.
The NSW Government contributed $5 million to the $20 million project to show its support for initiatives that increase the attractiveness of regional NSW as a place to live and do business.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley noted the importance of public spaces like Bathers Way in bringing the community together.
"Bathers Way is such an iconic strip and its fantastic to unveil such a significant transformation. Thanks to support from the NSW Government, the area has been revitalised to make it more accessible and enjoyable for locals and visitors," Minister Catley said.
"The upgrades are designed to cater for everyone, and they certainly make the space more inclusive and accessible. I look forward to the community seeing it for themselves."
Local artists have made their mark on the project including a stunning mural by Ellie Hannon inspired by the native trees and flowers found in the Glenrock and Awabakal Nature Reserves, which has been sandblasted into the retaining wall underneath the elevated skate bowl.
The wall adjacent to the new skate bowl features the work of artist Bronte Naylor, who celebrates skating, scooter and surf culture, as well as the surrounding landscape.
A new kiosk has also been constructed on site, with the internal fit-out now in the final stages ready to begin serving patrons in the coming months.
Other key elements of the Bathers Way upgrade at South Newcastle Beach include the construction of a new sea wall and the restoration of the 115-year-old heritage stone arches and shelter, which are among the oldest European hand-crafted structures on the New South Wales coast.
Executive Manager Project Management Office Rob Dudgeon said City of Newcastle had delivered important upgrades to infrastructure alongside a revitalised recreational precinct that has transformed a long dormant part of the coastline.
"The project involved significant investment to ensure the community will enjoy this space for generations to come," Mr Dudgeon said.
"This included upgrades to the seawall, retaining wall, bleachers and stairs at $3.9 million, the installation of new buildings, Bathers Way promenade and public amenity including the protection of the heritage stone arches at a cost of $6.5 million, as well as a new inclusive skatepark at $1.8 million to replace the former facility built in 1995."
Cliff stabilisation works were also completed concurrently with this project to reinforce an area located to the south of the Bathers Way upgrade known by the Awabakal name Yirannali, which means "a place of falling rocks".
City of Newcastle invites the community to join them in celebrating this renewed public space with a series of family friendly activities being held from 8.30am to 11.30am on Sunday 18 August. For the latest information about the free community event visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/bathersway
