# Newcastle Ocean Baths redevelopment design revision

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/newcastle-ocean-baths-redevelopment-debate
> Updated: 2026-08-17T06:30:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

The City of Newcastle has unveiled a revised design for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, aiming to balance heritage preservation with community functionality. The updated proposal includes modifications to the layout, amenity locations, and the pavilion’s roof structure. To address previous concerns, the council proposed a simplified, glazed design featuring an engineered timber frame intended to maximize natural light and ventilation.

This revision follows feedback from the Urban Design Review Panel, heritage experts, and the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths (FONOB). FONOB president Peter Wickham stated the group would assess the new plans against their core principles, specifically the maintenance of the open-air character of the change rooms and respect for the site’s state heritage significance. 

This development follows the presentation of the “Peter Shaddock Community Concept” by FONOB, a rival plan that proposed replacing the council’s planned café with a small kiosk and estimated potential construction savings of $10–15 million. Due to the project’s scale, the final design will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel and will undergo a formal public exhibition process.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Newcastle Ocean Baths revised design unveiled

The City of Newcastle has released a revised design for the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, incorporating community and heritage feedback to balance modern amenities with historical preservation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/newcastle-ocean-baths-revised-design-unveiled

### 2026-07-19: Newcastle Ocean Baths community design offers heritage‑focused, lower‑cost alternative

Swimmers and FONOB unveil a community design for Newcastle Ocean Baths that retains open‑air change rooms, adds inclusive facilities, and could save $10‑15 million versus the council’s plan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/newcastle-ocean-baths-community-design-offers-heritagefocused-lowercost-alternative

### 2026-07-14: Newcastle Ocean Baths redevelopment to be revised after community feedback

Newcastle City Council will submit a revised development plan for the Ocean Baths redevelopment after community, Heritage NSW and design panel feedback, with a public exhibition slated for late August.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/newcastle-ocean-baths-redevelopment-to-be-revised-after-community-feedback

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Cite as: Newcastle Ocean Baths redevelopment design revision. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/newcastle-ocean-baths-redevelopment-debate