Lord Mayor unveils vision for key link in her Bathers Way project

Novocastrians are being given their first look at the concept designs for a key link in the city's iconic coastal walkway. 

The vision reveals a hallmark wide shared pathway snaking its way through the heritage-listed King Edward Park, transforming a section of the Bathers Ways between the Terrace car park near Shepherd’s Hill Cottage and South Newcastle Beach. 

A render for the concept design on Bathers Way King Edward Park, which is now open for community consultation.

The project will create more accessible connections between King Edward Park's key features and enhance opportunities to appreciate the city's spectacular coastal scenery with more comfortable viewing areas. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Bathers Way is a jewel among the city's coastal assets. 

"I’m proud to have conceived and initiated the Bathers Way project many years ago as the flagship of our coastal revitalisation program," Cr Nelmes said.

"Delivering an upgraded shared pathway that links our city's spectacular beaches with some of Newcastle's most popular coastal destinations has transformed the way we enjoy our iconic coastline."

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen encouraged the community to have their say on this key project.

“King Edward Park holds enormous significance to Newcastle with its sweeping ocean views, open lawn area, peaceful gardens, and importance to Newcastle’s traditional custodians," Cr Clausen said.

"Delivering a continuous, inclusive path that makes use of the amazing views and respects the site's heritage is a priority for City of Newcastle. 

"Feedback from the community is an important aspect of this process and I encourage everyone to have their say during the public exhibition period to help inform the detailed design of one of the last remaining sections of Bathers Way." 

A render for the concept design on Bathers Way King Edward Park, which is now open for community consultation.

The project will include renewal of King Edward Park's amenities and will seek to improve the connection between the lawn around the iconic Victorian rotunda, and the popular Garside Gardens, which are known for their colourful flower displays each Spring. 

More comfortable viewing areas with shade and seating will enhance the overall visitor experience, with lookout platforms offering sweeping views off the coast, while an upgraded entry will create a more fitting welcome to this significant site. 

The Bathers Way is a continuous path that links the city's iconic beaches of Merewether, Dixon Park, Bar Beach, Newcastle and Nobbys and forms part of the larger Great North Walk, which stretches from Queens Wharf by Newcastle Harbour to Circular Quay in Sydney. 

The shared pathway is designed to accommodate all members of the community, with a width of between four and six metres depending on the location and no steps along its 6kilometre-long route. 

Community members can learn more about the Bathers Way King Edward Park concept plan and provide feedback online until 5 August 2024.  

In-person ‘We Love Our Coast’ information sessions will also be held throughout the consultation period, which will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about a range of coastal projects being delivered by City of Newcastle including the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade.   

Visit City of Newcastle’s We Love Our Coast Have Your Say page for more details.