PREPARATIONS for the World Surf League's Newcastle Cup are in full swing with event infrastructure starting to take shape at Merewether.
Workers have begun erecting scaffolding and structures along Bathers Way and John Parade near Merewether Surf Life Saving Club.
Newcastle council has advised that access to the area is and will be restricted over coming weeks.
"John Parade, from Watkins Street to Henderson Parade, will be closed for the event set-up and pack down," a council spokesperson said on Thursday.
"During the contest period, John Parade will be closed to traffic between Watkins Street and Ocean Street; Watkins Street closed between John Parade and Coane Street; and Coane Street closed between Watkins Street and John Parade.
"Access to the event area will continue for residents, emergency vehicles and business deliveries."
Due to NSW government COVID-regulations restricting the event's capacity to 3000, the WSL plans to install screened fencing to prevent additional spectators gathering in the area.
Merewether Ocean Baths will remain open during the contest, although there will be changes to pedestrian access.
Meanwhile, Port Macquarie's Matt Banting has replaced US surfer Kolohe Andino in the event and the three other Australian contests. Andino reinjured an ankle he sprained in February after being released from quarantine earlier this week.
Banting is the highest-ranked surfer on the Australia/Oceania Qualifying Series rankings, having won the 3000-point Central Coast Pro earlier this month.
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