Work will commence tomorrow on transforming the long dormant kiosk at the popular Dixon Park Beach into a vibrant community place.The project, which is expected to be completed in August, will see improvements to the kiosk building including the addition of public seating, shelters and landscaping. Expressions of interest for kiosk operations will be invited in July.
The transformation will also see the relocation of a portion of the building’s faded mural which City of Newcastle has committed to fully restoring in a new location on the southern side of the kiosk as a part of the completed project.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the upgrade to the kiosk will enhance an already lively location and provide a place for people to gather and appreciate the coastal environment.
“The refurbishment of Dixon Park Kiosk will see the currently unused space revitalised into a place where our community and visitors can relax, grab a coffee and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Having recently hosted the World Surfing League event in Newcastle, we know how much our community loves surfing and I’m looking forward to seeing the mural which features our own champion surfer, Mark Richards, come to life once again.”
Work to prepare the kiosk for use commenced in 2020, with provision of power, water and sewage infrastructure now complete.
The refurbishment supports City of Newcastle’s Coastal Revitalisation program which began in 2010 as part of a long-term commitment to enhance Newcastle’s coastline.
This project is the latest to occur at Dixon Park in recent years, with a 2019 refurbishment to Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club seeing the clubhouse upgraded with new change rooms, space for female members, and accessible amenities. The $640,000 upgrade was jointly funded by NSW Government through a Surf Club Facilities Grant, City of Newcastle, Dixon Park SLSC and Ability Links NSW.