Contracts to build the latest stretch of Newcastle's Bathers Way Coastal Pathway and skate park at South Newcastle Beach will be open to tender from next Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Site preparation work and cliff stabilisation will soon begin before separate contracts are awarded in July.
The $11.7 million project, which will begin in August and take around two years to complete, will re-activate South Newcastle Beach.
It will feature a kiosk, new public amenities, landscaping, artwork, shade and seating, exercise equipment and viewing areas.
"By renewing the site's infrastructure and building new facilities, we hope to revive South Newcastle Beach as a vibrant and attractive place to visit," ," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"Completed sections of the Bathers Way have prompted 50 per cent usage increases, with Merewether one of the busiest due to its additional facilities, and we expect to see similar impetus from this revitalisation project.
"Increased foot and wheel-based traffic will, in turn, increase surveillance and reduce anti-social behaviour in a wider boost for businesses in Newcastle East."
Upcoming works will better connect King Edward Park and Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club before the final Bathers Way sections, through the park and along Memorial Drive, are delivered.
The project will be partially funded through a $5 million grant from Infrastructure NSW under the Restart NSW Funding scheme and has been guided by the Bathers Way Community Reference Group.
Community feedback in 2018 on the original concept plan, which had a skate bowl extending onto the beach, prompted modifications that garnered overwhelming support in further community engagement last year.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
- Largest rail grinder in southern hemisphere part of Hunter shutdown
- Council's green light for smart parking to drive trade in Nelson Bay
- The $8.6 million plan for new reservoirs at Gloucester
- Hunter pub grub gets a last-minute reprieve as restrictions ease
- Anger after university union agrees to pay cuts
- Save Our Stockton: Barilaro set to reveal key step in beach fix
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
