Newcastle Ocean Baths redevelopment to be revised after community feedback

The City of Newcastle announced it will prepare a revised development application for stage two of the Newcastle Ocean Baths redevelopment. The revision follows feedback from local residents, Heritage NSW and the Urban Design Review Panel.

Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths (FONOB) president Peter Wickham welcomed the move, saying it is an opportunity to "get it right" and warning that over‑commercialisation would be "tragic" for the heritage site. He added, "We've consistently said this campaign has never been against stopping the restoration of the baths," and "If we don't get it right, it'll basically be set in concrete for the next 100 years."

A council spokeswoman said a public exhibition period is expected toward the end of August, during which community members can submit comments. Previous submitters will be notified directly. Councilors have asked City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath to consider the feedback, assess any cost impacts and communicate any design changes. Specific alterations to the proposal have not yet been disclosed.