FRIENDS of the Newcastle Ocean Baths are excited about news the complex could be listed on the State Heritage Register.
The Heritage Council of NSW has announced a notice of intention to consider listing the iconic ocean baths in acknowledgement of its heritage significance.
Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Incorporated (FONOB) president Peter Wickham said the collective submitted a nomination in December 2023 in collaboration with the National Trust Hunter branch.
"We believe it is a positive sign that the Heritage Council of NSW has formally announced an "intention to list" in a relatively short time interval," he said.
"For the first time the Canoe Pool forms part of the Ocean Baths Heritage Precinct."
FONOB believes the State Heritage Listing is "vital" so that the heritage significance of the baths including the Canoe Pool is recognised and it can be added to the list of state significant heritage sites in Newcastle.
Mr Wickham said a successful nomination will ensure that future works to the baths will be managed to respect its heritage and guide appropriate restoration of the pavilions under Stage 2 of the City of Newcastle upgrades.
"The hard work was left to FONOB and Hunter Branch of National Trust as previous commitments to nominate for state heritage listing by the former lord mayor and the City of Newcastle as early as December 2021 failed to materialise," he said.
"Time was running out.
"We urge people to take this historic opportunity to make submissions to the Heritage Council of NSW."
Stage Two of the revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which is yet to commence, includes the pavilion buildings and surrounds.
Stage One of the project saw the pools and promenade areas upgraded and the pool was reopened for swimming in December last year.
The Newcastle Oceans Baths are more than 100 years old, known for their inter-war striped classical and art-deco facade and bleacher seating.
City of Newcastle representatives met with the State Heritage Register Committee to discuss the nomination earlier this month.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths are protected as a heritage item of local significance in the Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012.
In an online statement, the council said it looked forward to discussing the heritage significance of the site and its proposed inclusion on the State Heritage Register.
Members of the community can make a submission on the nomination by January 14, 2025 at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/newcastle-ocean-baths.
