Heritage NSW has dismissed a request for an Interim Heritage Order for Newcastle Ocean Baths lodged by a local community group.
In making its determination, Heritage NSW noted that the Newcastle Ocean Baths construction is similar to that of all State Heritage-listed baths within New South Wales.
They found that the construction method of pool floors for these types of ocean baths, such as sand, concrete or rock, is not integral to the heritage values for ocean baths in New South Wales.
City of Newcastle said it welcomes the decision which means the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths can now proceed without delay.
“The City hopes Heritage NSW’s decision to refuse the Interim Heritage Order brings an end to the continual stunts and misinformation by the group Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths who have for more than two years attempted to prevent this much-needed upgrade from occurring,” a City Of Newcastle statement read.
“As the City has repeatedly made clear, the edge of the pool must be raised due to rising sea levels. Unless this happens, the Baths will be excessively battered during ocean storms and simply won’t survive another 100 years.”
The Ocean Baths restoration is expected to be completed by mid-2023 limiting the disruption to users to just one summer season.
