Tenders called to build new Bathers Way leg

Contracts to build the latest stretch of Newcastle’s landmark Bathers Way Coastal Pathway and a drawcard skating facility at South Newcastle Beach will be open to tender from Tuesday.

Site preparation work and cliff stabilisation will soon begin, before separate contracts are awarded in July for the latest instalment of the Bathers Way’s signature broadened pathway and an adjoining skate park and bowl.

The $11.7 million project, which will begin in August and take around two years to complete, will re-activate South Newcastle Beach with a kiosk, new public amenities, landscaping, artwork, shade and seating, exercise equipment and viewing areas.

“Construction companies are now invited to bid for these two contracts to transform a long-dormant part of Newcastle’s coastline,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

“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.

“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.”

Part of The Newcastle Beach Community Infrastructure Project, the 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 is partially funded through the State Government’s Restart NSW Fund and has been guided by the Bathers Way Community Reference Group (CRG).

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.

“It’s a fantastic area that will be activated by a myriad of user groups and individuals,” Bathers Way CRG’s Skate Community Representative John Bogaerts said. “The area has been dormant for some time so this upgrade will mean it meets the community’s needs and will complement the rest of the existing Bathers Way.”

While a separate tender and contract will be awarded for the skatepark construction in parallel to the main Bathers Way tender, the former will be novated under the latter when both are awarded.

In preparation, minor construction work will commence in June, including drainage, maintenance of the cliff face and preparations to extend the existing rock-catch fence.

Tender submissions can be made from Tuesday via https://www.tenderlink.com/newcastle/