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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Matthew Kelly

Tenders called to build new Bathers Way section

Vision: Completed sections of the Bathers Way coastal walk project have prompted 50 per cent usage increases.

Contracts to build the latest stretch of Newcastle's Bathers Way Coastal Pathway and skate park at South Newcastle Beach will be open to tender from next Tuesday.

Site preparation work and cliff stabilisation will soon begin before separate contracts are awarded in July.

The $11.7 million project, which will begin in August and take around two years to complete, will re-activate South Newcastle Beach.

It will feature a kiosk, new public amenities, landscaping, artwork, shade and seating, exercise equipment and viewing areas.

"By renewing the site's infrastructure and building new facilities, we hope to revive South Newcastle Beach as a vibrant and attractive place to visit," ," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"Completed sections of the Bathers Way have prompted 50 per cent usage increases, with Merewether one of the busiest due to its additional facilities, and we expect to see similar impetus from this revitalisation project.

"Increased foot and wheel-based traffic will, in turn, increase surveillance and reduce anti-social behaviour in a wider boost for businesses in Newcastle East."

Upcoming works will better connect King Edward Park and Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club before the final Bathers Way sections, through the park and along Memorial Drive, are delivered.

The project will be partially funded through a $5 million grant from Infrastructure NSW under the Restart NSW Funding scheme and has been guided by the Bathers Way Community Reference Group.

Community feedback in 2018 on the original concept plan, which had a skate bowl extending onto the beach, prompted modifications that garnered overwhelming support in further community engagement last year.

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