MEDIA RELEASE Date: November 2025 FONOB Inc. finds no evidence for enclosure in Council’s own reports Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc. (FONOB Inc.) has analysed seven technical reports obtained through a formal GIPA request, each prepared for the City of Newcastle between 2023 and 2024 and used to shape the Stage 2 redevelopment proposal for the heritage-listed Newcastle Ocean Baths. The review found that enclosure of the open-air change rooms and expansion of commercial

Newcastle's losing its living heritage . . . and paying for it By Peter Wickham October 31 2025 - 6:00am Newcastle is on the verge of losing one of its most authentic public places - and paying handsomely for it. The City of Newcastle's Stage 2 redevelopment plan for the ocean baths threatens to erase the open-air experience that defines the site's cultural heritage. The proposal to roof and enclose the change rooms replaces salt air and sunlight with mechanical ventilation,

Most of the community would have no idea that Council’s own Stage 2 design brief  for the Newcastle Ocean Baths refers to “facilitating potential alcohol provision at the café/kiosk.” That information only came to light because Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc.  obtained the confidential project brief through a formal GIPA request . This line in the brief confirms that plumbing and amenities are being designed to allow alcohol service — something never discussed with the

The City of Newcastle’s Stage 2 plans could change how generations experience the Baths — from open-air change rooms to cafés and licensed venues. Before the DA is lodged, it’s time to think about what makes the Baths special to you — and be ready to share that when public comments open. What the Stage 2 Concept Plans Show Council’s Stage 2 concept plans , released in 2024, already foreshadow major changes  to how people will experience the Baths.Those plans include: a large

Dear Friends and Supporters, Thank you for your incredible support in helping to secure State Heritage Listing  for the Newcastle Ocean...

Comment "These change rooms are too valuable to lose to make way for an expansion of commercial interests in this historic, public...

Risks Off the Tower OCEAN BATHS DANGER (By W. F. Corbett) Newcastle should possess the only troupe of dry-land divers in the world if the...

The Heritage Council of NSW is considering adding the Newcastle Ocean Baths complex, including the Canoe Pool, to the State Heritage...

I write to you not only as President of Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Incorporated (FONOB Inc.) but from my personal experience. Many...

Following the reopening of Newcastle Ocean Baths on 21 December 2023 members of our community expressed opinions on the upgrades via...

To Lord Mayor, Cr Nuatali Nelmes CEO Mr Jeremy Bath cc City of Newcastle councillors cc Ocean Baths Project Team On 9 February 2024 the...