Revitalised Harbour Foreshore Precinct to take shape this year

City of Newcastle is seeking tenders for the delivery of a key element of its revitalisation of the city's much-loved Foreshore Park.

Tenders are being sought for a new amenities building to complement other elements of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which will deliver enhanced connectivity between the city and the harbour's edge around Foreshore Park, and along the Joy Cummings Promenade.

The centrepiece of the Masterplan will be Livvi’s Place, an inclusive regional playground and waterplay area, designed in consultation with the community and Touched by Olivia, a charity dedicated to the delivery of inclusive playspaces across Australia.

The new amenities building will serve both the new playground and the broader park, featuring accessible facilities including unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room and a changing places facility, which provides suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, as well as a kiosk.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed this next step in delivering the adopted Masterplan.

"These early works help realise the full potential of our adopted Masterplan for our premier city park, creating a drawcard destination for locals and visitors from across the region to enjoy," Cr Nelmes said.

"The first stage of the works will prepare the site for delivery of a regional level playground, waterplay and new amenities block.

“This revitalised harbourside precinct will enrich the park that Novocastrians and visitors know and love, with spaces for events and areas for friends and families to connect.”

Following early site preparation works undertaken last year, work will commence in the coming months to demolish the existing amenities block, playground and the former frog pond site to make way for the delivery of future stages of the Masterplan. The public toilets adjacent to the Train Shed will remain open for the community.

Once completed, the playground area will have a distinctly Newcastle character and pay tribute to the city's Aboriginal heritage. The precinct will also have a waterplay area unique to Newcastle, accessible amenities, and a kiosk that will service both the playground and the wider Foreshore Park.

Extensive tree planting and landscaping will be carried out throughout the precinct as part of the broader masterplan to significantly increase shade canopy and create greener public spaces.

The project is supported by the State Government, Variety the Childrens Charity and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.