How is the project being funded?
The entire foreshore transformation is expected to cost around $10 million. This will be funded through Development Contributions. An additional $1 million has been committed by the NSW Government to enclose and upgrade facilities at Toronto Baths.
When are the works expected to occur?
The foreshore works will be completed across four precincts.
- Town Green Precinct was completed in 2022
- Works on Wharf Road Precinct are expected to begin in 2024-2025
- Future precincts including The Terraces (below the train station), Bath Street and Goffett Park, subject to Heritage NSW approvals
How will the foreshore revitalisation benefit the community?
The revitalisation works will deliver a vibrant and attractive destination on the shores of Lake Macquarie for the community to enjoy.
How was the community consulted about the works?
The community was invited to provide feedback at several stages throughout the development of the Toronto Foreshore Master Plan. The Plan was adopted in May 2021, and will be used to guide detailed designs for the works. More information about the community consultation can be found at shape.lakemac.com.au/future-toronto.
Why is Council undertaking investigations at the site?
The geotechnical and Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit investigations are part of Council’s due diligence as part of undertaking the detailed design for future precincts.
Is Council talking to the local Aboriginal Land Council about the project to ensure it is respectful of Aboriginal heritage and history?
Council has engaged umwelt to undertake the heritage interpretation for the project, which includes consultation with the local Aboriginal Land Council.
Will there be on-site parking?
Formal on-street parking of up to 30 spaces, plus eight additional parking spaces to service the small-scale building is proposed for Bath Street. The new public square adjacent to the Toronto Amateur Sailing Club provides 12 parks, and the two disabled parking spaces are retained near the cafe on Wharf Road. In response to feedback received through the last round of consultation, drop-off spaces are also proposed at Bath Street, the town green public square and Wharf Road.
Why is the Wharf Road boat ramp being removed?
During community consultation, 65 per cent of survey respondents were supportive of the removal of the Wharf Road boat ramp, given its shortcomings in terms of access, safety and suitable infrastructure, and opportunity it affords in terms of providing additional open space, boardwalk and playground expansion.
Comments received from those unsupportive of the removal of the boat ramp included the need to provide suitable alternatives. The perceived limitations of some of the boat ramps in the area were highlighted.
In conjunction with the design of the foreshore and the Lake Activation Strategy, Council will investigate the potential to upgrade the boat ramp facilities at Toronto Lions Park to provide for potential increased usage.
What is proposed for the Bath Street site?
In September 2020, Council agreed to progress with further design and consultation works for a small-scale single storey building, including decking, with a total footprint of no more than 300m2, and car parking. This will be undertaken once the detailed design and implementation of the Toronto Foreshore Master Plan is complete.