The first phase of works on Newcastle Ocean Baths will kick off on March 14, marking the start of what is expected to be more than a year-long upgrade of the much loved facility.
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The baths will be closed for the duration of the renovation, which will begin with works to improve the safety, water quality and accessibility.
The $14.5m first phase will focus on the pools, lower promenade and pumping system, addressing issues identified through community engagement and engineering advice.
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle council had worked with the construction contractor on a program to limit the overall disruption to users and impact just one summer season.
"City of Newcastle has worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and other stakeholders during the planning and design stages of this project, with improved public health and safety, accessibility, and community preferences among the key considerations," Cr Nelmes said.
"With the Newcastle Ocean Baths turning 100 this November, we are committed to ensuring this upgrade meets the needs of current and future users and look forward to this project delivering significantly improved facilities, which can be enjoyed for the community for years to come."
As part of the works, the iconic bleacher seating will be retained, the boardwalk renewed, and a new pump system installed that can replace the water of the baths within six hours, significantly improving water quality.
The upgrade has been controversial for some pool users, particularly the decision to concrete the pool floor.
Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc said they welcomed the "overdue commencement" of works to improve the overall safety and water quality, but their attempts to raise concerns about the proposed concrete slab on the bottom of the pool had been "stonewalled".
Council says the sand floor amenity will be retained while capping the "undulating rock bottom" of the pool with concrete to ensure the pool can continue being for walk based activities, as well as to improve safety and water quality.
"Sand will continue to build up on the floor by the same processes as today with sand washing into the pool via ocean waves," a council statement said. "[Council] will also consider manually replacing fresh sand in the pool following its annual clean depending on forecast swell and weather conditions."
The stage one works aim to improve use for people with a disability or low mobility, including ramp access and improved handrail support into the pool.
The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of CN's Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage One upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government's Public Spaces Legacy Program.
The next stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will focus on the pavilion and surrounding public areas. This phase is subject to community consultation which is expected to start this year.
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