Bathers' Pavilion Community Concept
Putting swimmers back at the centre of the design
A professionally prepared alternative concept, proudly endorsed by Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc.
Welcome
Imagine if the Newcastle Ocean Baths could be revitalised while preserving their open-air character, better respecting their heritage and potentially saving millions of dollars.
Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc. is proud to present an alternative Community Concept for the Stage 2 revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
This concept has been generously donated to FONOB by Newcastle architect Peter Shaddock, who has contributed his professional expertise and considerable time on a voluntary basis for the benefit of the Newcastle community.
The concept includes a fly-through animation, architectural renderings and floor plans that present a practical alternative for revitalising one of Newcastle's most treasured public places.
We believe every major public project benefits from considering alternative ideas. This concept is offered in that spirit.
Why are we sharing this concept?
City of Newcastle is currently preparing a revised Development Application following the Lord Mayoral Minute and subsequent advice from Heritage NSW.
FONOB welcomes this opportunity to improve the current proposal.
However, we also believe the community deserves to see that there is more than one way to revitalise the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
This Community Concept demonstrates that it is possible to modernise the Baths while preserving the qualities that generations of Novocastrians value most.
Rather than simply criticising the existing proposal, this concept presents a positive alternative for public consideration.
Putting Swimmers Back at the Centre of the Design
Every successful public bathing facility begins with one simple question:
What is best for swimmers?
That philosophy underpins every aspect of this Community Concept.
The design seeks to:
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retain the traditional open-air change rooms
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preserve natural light, fresh air and views to the sky
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maintain passive supervision and clear sightlines
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respect the heritage significance of the historic pavilion
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improve accessibility and modern amenities
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simplify the overall building form
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provide practical contemporary facilities without compromising the unique character of the Baths.
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providing dedicated accessible change facilities
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providing inclusive change facilities to meet the needs of all users
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Includes appropriately scaled multi-purpose rooms for use by the stakeholders
FONOB believes these principles better reflect both the heritage significance and the long-standing community values of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
Many women have understandably asked, "Would I feel comfortable and safe using these change rooms?"
This Community Concept responds to those concerns with clearly defined entrances to the men's and women's change rooms and a substantial dividing wall between the hand basin areas, providing greater privacy and reducing the potential for accidental or inappropriate entry.
A Kiosk, Not a Café
A defining feature of this Community Concept is its recognition that the Newcastle Ocean Baths are, first and foremost, a public bathing facility.
Instead of proposing a café or restaurant, the concept provides for a modest kiosk designed to serve swimmers, families and visitors while respecting the heritage character of the Baths.
FONOB has consistently maintained that a café or restaurant is unnecessary within this unique public place. We are not aware of any comparable ocean baths or beach pavilion in New South Wales where a full-service café or restaurant is considered essential.
A modest kiosk:
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supports swimmers and visitors
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respects the heritage significance of the Baths
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complements rather than dominates the public space
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avoids unnecessary commercialisation of this iconic public facility
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is likely to represent the most practical and financially viable opportunity for any future operator.
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The generous covered seating, with scope for additional outdoor seating, supports year-round operation and enhances the kiosk's long-term commercial viability.
The concept demonstrates that a simple kiosk can successfully support users while allowing the Newcastle Ocean Baths to remain exactly what they have always been — a place centred on swimming, recreation and community.
A Better Heritage Outcome at a Lower Cost
One of the major concerns expressed by the Lord Mayor and many members of the community has been the escalating cost of the current Stage 2 proposal.
The Development Application identifies an Estimated Development Cost of approximately $39.8 million, while City of Newcastle's published project information estimates the overall Stage 2 project cost at $55.4 million.
FONOB believes this alternative Community Concept has the potential to deliver both a superior heritage outcome and substantial cost savings.
Based on the simpler building form, reduced construction complexity and retention of the traditional open-air pavilion layout, FONOB believes savings in the order of $10 million to $15 million may be achievable. An accurate comparison would, of course, require independent quantity surveying.
If the heritage values of the Newcastle Ocean Baths can be better protected while significantly reducing construction costs, we believe that option deserves serious public consideration.
Understanding the Design
Concept Plan:
See how the kiosk, community spaces and amenities work together in a simple, practical layout that puts swimmers back at the centre of the design.
Many women have understandably asked, "Would I feel comfortable and safe using these change rooms?"
Click on the Concept Plan below to enlarge it and explore these design features in detail.
Internal hand basins can be added for hygiene
We'd Like Your Feedback
Bathers' Pavilion Community Concept has been prepared to encourage informed public discussion.
Contact us via email:
Acknowledgement
Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc. sincerely thanks Peter Shaddock for the extraordinary generosity he has shown in donating this concept to the community.
His work demonstrates that there are practical, thoughtful and heritage-sensitive alternatives worthy of serious public consideration.