​​

 Stage 2 Development Application – What happens next?

​

Now that submissions have closed:

• City of Newcastle reviews all submissions and prepares a planning assessment report for the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, which will make the final decision.

• At the same time, Heritage NSW assesses the heritage impacts of the proposal on the Newcastle Ocean Baths as a State Heritage–listed place.
  Heritage NSW has confirmed it will receive and review the full set of public submissions as part of this process.

• People and stakeholder groups who made submissions may be given the opportunity to address the Regional Planning Panel at a public meeting before a determination is made (in line with the Panel’s procedures).

In short:

Council assesses the application and submissions.
Heritage NSW assesses heritage impacts.
The Regional Planning Panel makes the final decision.

Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc. will update the community when Council confirms timing for the Panel process and any opportunities for public participation.

​

Last updated: 4 February 2026. This summary reflects the general statutory process and does not indicate a final outcome or time frame.

.