Newcastle’s Merewether Beach has had a facelift, with the opening of a new shared pathway between the surf club and the ocean baths.
It’s the third section of path to be completed following the Bar Beach cliff works and construction along John Parade last year.
The latest additions include a four-metre wide shared pathway, bleacher seating, a new viewing area, open space, native plants and historical references.
Newcastle Council’s Heidi Kolatchew says the history of the area informed much of the design.
“Newcastle’s coastline has such a diverse history, and we feel it’s important to acknowledge that. As each stage of the Bathers Way is implemented, we will focus on a particular piece of history unique to that area, and develop interpretive artwork to suit,” she said.
Heidi says the idea of using beauty competition winners names on the bleacher seating came about by accident.
“The idea of the popular girl competition came about because we were looking for something associated with the pool which would spark people’s interest, rather than just reciting historical dates or facts about the pool itself. When we came across the article, it was a subject that we thought would get people thinking about that era, and how it relates to the modern day Miss Surfest competition”.
Construction will continue in the precinct next month.
