GNARLY IN NEWCASTLE
23 Jul 2018
A new beachside park to be built in Newcastle, as part of an $11 million public space upgrade, will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the region and will provide local youth with a ‘gnarly’ skate bowl.
The Newcastle City Council has unveiled plans for an $11 million upgrade of South Newcastle Beach which will include a new skate park and esplanade. The state government has provided $5 million in funding to rejuvenate the Shortland Esplanade.
Design plans revealed this week depict a new skate bowl, kiosk and outdoor gym, along with tiered seating and shade shelters for beachgoers.
The state government committed $5.6 million in 2013 as part of the Resources for Regions program to help construct the Bathers Way between Nobbys and Newcastle Beaches. Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Shortland Esplanade upgrade meant council's visionary Bathers Way project connecting Nobbys and Merewether was progressing and moving closer to completion. 
“This component of Bathers Way and coastal revitalisation is complex and this funding from the state government is a vital component to expediting this transformative project for our community," Nelmes said.
“The intermediate-level skate bowl and surrounding exercise facilities will cater to a diverse range of activities, promote healthy lifestyles and more economic activity while creating a genuine tourist attraction in the construction of what I have tagged the Blue Bowl."
“The design is absolutely breathtaking. This is going to be one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever undertaken on our coastline.”
Following consultation with the local skateboarding community, Newcastle City Council has amended their proposal to allow for a more accessible skate bowl, which has been widened for easy access and to help with construction.
Approximately $27 million has been invested into Newcastle's coastal revitalisation project, with the latest proposal aiming to foster Australia's local skating talent.
