Open for public feedback

The draft Town Beach Reserve Master Plan (TBRMP) is now on public exhibition, and you are invited to have your say.

Designed to foster a safe, connected, and dynamic community space the TBRMP aims to meet a variety of interests. This plan will guide management and enhancement of the Town Beach foreshore and reserve, addressing community needs and recreational opportunities. The Master Plan will ensure the reserve remains well-maintained and effectively managed, catering to the diverse needs of residents and visitors.

Town Beach Reserve Master Plan overview

In addition to the community's vision for the Town Beach Reserve, Council is committed to designing a public space that is socially, environmentally and economically responsible.

The priorities for the Master Plan are:

• Pedestrian path widened along the Town Beach foreshore for improved accessibility
• Carparks upgrade to manage drainage and maximise capacity
• Lighting upgrades along the main pathway and selected recreational facilities
  
• Seawall replacement
• Beach access improvements with upgraded stairways, ramps and terraces.
• Adjoining pathway links to roadway paths and crossings up the escarpments in the reserve

The Northern Beach area of the project extends from the breakwall footpath along the foreshore to the end of the Town Beach play space. A wider path towards the town centre will improve accessibility and travel flow through the reserve.

A deck lookout structure is proposed for the end of the breakwall. The Breakwall Upgrade is a Transport for NSW project and therefore outside of the Town Beach Reserve Master Plan scope.

This area includes the green space surrounding the amphitheatre, walkway and carpark through the reserve and the promenade along the foreshore. Measures to improve safety, amenity and coastal management include widening the main path along the foreshore, additional access pathways and carpark wheel stops.

Spectator shade and all-weather protection on the stage is proposed for the amphitheatre, along with stair access towards the lookout at the top of the escarpment.

The central point of the reserve, middle beach is a thoroughfare of pedestrian, vehicle and shared pathway access points along the foreshore. As well as stairway connections to beach lookouts.

A wider path and the addition of a new waterfront promenade walkway is proposed to improve congestion through the area. Along with upgraded carparking for better drainage and safety. Beachside improvements include replacement of the ageing seawall, showers and the addition of a terraced deck to enjoy the ocean vista.

To address safety and connectivity issues, accessible pathways and pedestrian crossing points are proposed. An elevated stairway near the existing pedestrian crossing, ramp access through existing trees and a shared pedestrian zone are proposed.

A hive of local activity the South Beach precinct includes the foreshore area from the life saver tower, along to the amenities towards the coastal walk. The area includes the south carpark access and extends along the tracks behind the amenities.

Additional walkways are proposed along the carpark and a promenade leading to a renewed tiered deck, with stairways along the seawall for beach access. Pathway improvements are considered for the top of the escarpment with access stairs, connections to lookouts and monuments, and fencing replacement.

Flagstaff Hill includes the escarpment track adjacent to William Street across to the viewing deck. This area includes worn tracks, limited pathways and infrastructure nearing their 'end of life.' The Master Plan proposes a new path along the roadside, paved monument space and the replacement of eroded tracks, stairways and lookout deck structure.

Oxley Beach is not considered as part of the draft Town Beach Reserve Master Plan.