A draft masterplan for Foreshore Park reveals that the iconic harbourside precinct will soon become home to the city’s largest playground.
The playground, and water play area, are the centrepiece of City of Newcastle’s plan for the area which they say is designed to create new connections between the city and the harbour’s edge around Foreshore Park and along the Joy Cummings Promenade.
Other features include upgraded amenities and improvements along Wharf Road and Tug Berth Lane, including an iconic destination sign and grassed areas where people can enjoy the spectacle of a working harbour.
“City of Newcastle has worked closely with community representatives on this shared vision for the iconic Harbour Foreshore precinct, which will become a drawcard destination for locals and visitors from across the region,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We have listened to the views of our community and incorporated feedback into the detail of this draft masterplan, including moving the playground to the north-west corner of the park adjacent to the parking area and close to accessible parking spaces, as well as provision for a multi-purpose skating, scootering and performing arts area at the base of the Shortland Lawn amphitheatre.
“The existing Sandhills Community Garden will also remain in their current location.”
A fully-fenced space will feature a distinctly Newcastle character and include junior and toddler areas, an industrial-themed elevated playground structure, maritime-inspired swing sets, accessible flying fox and natured-based play areas, connected via a series of accessible paths, seating, gardens and lawns.
The Masterplan also includes increasing the amount of shaded canopy within Foreshore Park by 250% from 2,800 sqm to 9,800 sqm.
Variety, the Children’s Charity, has provided funding to assist with the design phase of the playground, with City of Newcastle securing more than $1 million from the NSW Government to assist with its construction.
