Newcastle lord mayor Gavin Morris says the revised design for the Newcastle Ocean Baths strikes the "right balance" between preserving what makes them special and creating a space that works for everyone.
City of Newcastle has refined its design for the final stage of the baths' upgrade, making key changes to the layout and location of the amenities, roof design and retention of heritage elements.
Cr Morris said he was pleased to see strong feedback from the community, heritage experts and the Urban Design Review Panel help shape the design that will go on public exhibition.
"The Newcastle Ocean Baths are a much-loved part of our city, so it's only natural that people have passionate views about their future," Cr Morris said.
"Newcastle Ocean Baths belong to us all. Ask any Novocastrian about them and you'll get a story. They're more than a swimming pool.
"They are a part of our history, our coastline, and our identity."
The pavilion's roof has been at the heart of contention between the council and community group Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths (FONOB), which has consistently advocated for retaining open-air change rooms.
Under the new plans, the council says the roof has been refined to better balance openness, comfort, privacy and protection from the elements.
It features a simplified design and glazed finish that "floats" above the original building to maximise natural light and ventilation, while an engineered timber frame offers a warm, natural appearance.
At a meeting in May, a lord mayoral minute which drew unanimous support asked City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath to "carefully consider" incorporating public feedback into the next phase of the project.
Cr Morris said the council has worked closely with Heritage NSW, independent design reviewers and technical experts to ensure the plans strike the "right balance".
"The updated design gives us an opportunity to deliver a facility that feels open, inviting and easy to use, while respecting the character and history of the site," Cr Morris said.
"Most importantly, it will provide a safe and accessible place for the community to enjoy now and well into the future."
Among the changes are a more open amenities layout designed to make it easier for people to move around, balanced with improved privacy.
The accessible amenities and Changing Places facility have been moved to the southern pavilion closer to accessible parking spaces and the pool access ramp.
Family change rooms have been redistributed across the southern and central pavilions, while the community space has been reduced to accommodate the changes.
City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said while there have been different ideas and approaches considered along the way, there is a "strong, shared vision" for what the future of the baths can be.
"It's great to see so much overlap between our redesign and the concept shared with the community earlier this month by the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths," Mr Bath said.
"We all want to see the heritage of this much-loved place respected, better access for the community and facilities that will serve Newcastle well into the future.
"We believe the amended design gives us a practical way forward, moving this long-awaited project towards construction and delivering the improvements the community has been waiting for."
FONOB recently put forward its own rival design.
The Peter Shaddock Community Concept, donated by architect Peter Shaddock, retains the open-air character of the change rooms that has been a sticking point between swimmers and the council.
Other key changes to the council's design are around the site's heritage elements.
Changes have been made to the tiered seating next to the Canoe Pool to highlight and preserve the historic seawall, while a second awning will be added to the art deco facade to add balance to the front of the building.
A cafe and kiosk, which has been at the centre of conflict between the community and the council, remains part of the plans in the southern wing of the building.
Almost all public submissions objected to the plan, raising concerns about commercialisation and alcohol.
Under the revised design, the kiosk will provide sit-down dining and takeaway options, with the operational plan allowing for earlier opening times to service morning swimmers.
Due to the value of the project, which has not yet been disclosed, the development application will be assessed by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
If the plan is approved, the council will move into the detailed design stage before awarding a tender for construction in mid-2028.
Information about how to provide feedback will be available online on the council's project page once the amended development application is placed on public exhibition later this month for 28 days.
