Shark Beach and Nielsen Park have reopened to the public following a landmark project to replace the nearly century-old Nielsen Park seawall.
Originally constructed in the 1930s, the seawall had served the community for nearly 100 years before being extensively damaged by large swells during storms in 2016. A detailed engineering assessment found the 160-metre seawall was at the end of its serviceable life, and a complete rebuild was deemed to be the best long-term approach.
Construction began in March 2022 but has been impacted by complex engineering issues, discovery and removal of asbestos, as well as major storms damaging work and delaying completion.
Works are now complete and the community now has a purpose-built facility, with improved accessibility and safety:
- A new wheelchair accessible pedestrian ramp.
- Separate ramp to allow maintenance vehicle access to the beach.
- The wall was raised by 50 centimetres, with wave deflectors integrated into concrete bleachers to reduce overtopping events and protect the park from sea level changes.
- Enhanced visitor experience with additional seating along the length of the promenade.
- New landscaping including lawns and planting of 18 mature native trees.
- Renovations to the historic Nielsen Park kiosk, the Halbert Pavilion, the Swimming and Life Saving Club and the dressing pavilion.
Over time it is expected that natural processes will see sand migrate back to the beach to increase the width of the beach that was impacted during construction.
To learn more about the Nielsen Park project click here.
Quotes attributable to Ben Khan, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Sydney South Area Manager
"This opening day has been long awaited, and the results are great to see.
"We are proud of the new facility which we believe will exceed community expectations and is now ready for a summer of beach activity.
"We understand just how important Nielsen Park and Shark Beach are to not only the eastern suburbs community, but Sydney as a whole, and we thank everyone for their patience during the construction.
"Public safety will always be the number one priority for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the new seawall will ensure Nielsen Park can be enjoyed safely for many years to come."
