Newcastle Ocean Baths community design offers heritage‑focused, lower‑cost alternative

Swimmers and the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths (FONOB) have presented the "Peter Shaddock Community Concept," a rival plan for the next phase of the historic ocean baths redevelopment. The proposal keeps the traditional open‑air change rooms, replaces the council’s café with a small kiosk, and adds accessible, inclusive facilities while preserving natural light and sightlines.

FONOB estimates the community design could cut construction costs by $10‑15 million compared with the council’s projected $55.4 million budget. The concept will be submitted to Heritage NSW for assessment, highlighting heritage preservation and reduced commercialisation as key benefits.