Shark Beach has reopened
In July 2016, the 1930s seawall was badly damaged by waves during a large storm and reached the end of its serviceable life.
National Parks and Wildlife Service demolished the old seawall and has now completed its reconstruction of a new seawall. The new seawall is more capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions and sea level rise, while improving accessibility to the beach. This once-in-a-lifetime project conserves the site's sensitive natural, cultural and historic heritage significance while improving the structure to meet visitor and operational needs.
National Parks and Wildlife Service acknowledges that the project has taken far longer than originally anticipated, with a range of significant issues impacting this complex project. We apologise for the loss of access to the site during this time and thank the community for their patience and understanding. We, along with NSW Public Works and the contractor, have worked hard to get the site open as soon as possible while still ensuring that the structure is built to the highest standards in a challenging environment.
What is happening at Nielsen Park?
The replacement of the new seawall is now complete. Shark Beach reopened to visitors on Thursday 12 December 2024.
The Sydney Restaurant Group have completed renovations to the historic Nielsen Park Kiosk, the Halbert Pavilion and the Swimming and Life Saving Club and these venues have reopened.
Replacement of the Nielsen Park seawall has been a complex project. National Parks and Wildlife Service wishes to thank the community for their understanding and patience. The new seawall and promenade works improve accessibility and amenity at Shark Beach and protect Nielsen Park so that visitors can enjoy it for another 100 years.
Development approval
The development application for the replacement of the Nielsen Park seawall was submitted on 30 June 2020 and advertised and notified in accordance with Section A2 – Advertising and Notification, of council's Woollahra Development Control Plan 2015 from 2 September to 1 October 2020.
The project was approved by the Sydney East Regional Planning Panel on 18 February 2021.
The Section 60 approval from Heritage NSW was received on 16 April 2021.
Project stages and timeframes
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| Site investigation, analysis and development of concept plans (PDF 4.8MB) | Completed 2020 |
| Development application submitted to Woollahra Council on 30 June 2020 | Approved by the Sydney East Regional Planning Panel, 18 February 2021 |
| Heritage Act Section 60 approval via Heritage NSW | Approved 16 April 2021 |
| Development of detailed designs and appointment of construction contractor | Completed 2021 |
| Procurement of construction contractor | Completed 2021 |
| Demolition of the concrete seawall | Underway from 1 March 2022 |
| Engagement of new construction contractor | April 2023 |
| Construction of the seawall | Recommence May 2023 |
| Seawall complete and Shark Beach reopened | 12 December 2024 |
Community engagement
Stakeholders, visitors and nearby residents were kept informed of this project as it developed. Updates were made available from this project webpage and by project newsletters.
Protecting park values
In accordance with NSW planning legislation, we have carried out a rigorous environmental assessment of the site with input from specialists in landscape architecture, archaeology, heritage, engineering and coastal management. The project is consistent with the Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management 2012 and the Nielsen Park Conservation Management Plan 2013.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service committed to delivering this project whilst ensuring the natural and cultural values of the park were protected.
Frequently asked questions
During the demolition of the concrete seawall, asbestos was found in the fill under the concrete seawall. As the seawall was built c. 1930s, it is not unusual to find this type of material which had been used in construction projects since 1921.
The site was immediately secured and an Environmental Hygienist attended. An Asbestos Management Plan was implemented and this hazardous material was removed in April 2022. This was undertaken by specialist teams with dust mitigation measures and air monitoring to ensure that fibres did not become airborne.
All trucks leaving the site were sealed, and the material was disposed at a licensed off-site facility. Testing of the site was undertaken to ensure all hazardous material has been removed and monitoring continued throughout the project.
An improved vehicle ramp at the east end of Shark Beach has been built to allow access to the beach for park operations such as the annual removal of the shark net. Visitors will also be able to use this ramp for launching kayaks, paddleboards and the like.
A new pedestrian ramp improves accessibility to the beach.
Additional stairs which are access compliant have also been installed along the length of the seawall.
Additional options such as handrails or pathways onto the beach were considered, however, Shark Beach regularly experiences damaging storm surges. These storm surges can result in significant sand movement and undermine infrastructure. Installation of permanent infrastructure on the beach itself was therefore not considered feasible. We will continue to investigate and review accessibility improvements in the park.
New, mature trees have been planted as part of this project, including an additional 5 trees along the beach front. This includes 2 Sydney red gum (Angophora costata), 8 Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), 4 Coastal banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and 3 Port Jackson mallee (Eucalyptus obstans).
The project team carefully considered the materiality and character of Shark Beach. The seawall itself is approximately 0.5 m higher at the promenade level, while the structure extends deeper below the beach surface to reduce the risk of gaps resulting from the movement of sand during storm events. Additionally, the design of the new seawall incorporates the following:
- modified bleachers profile with wave deflectors built in to manage storm events
- stairs, ramps and level changes are access compliant
- the landscape amenity has been improved with increased lawn areas and more shade trees.
During construction the full height and width of the new concrete seawall was exposed and visible along much of the beach. Over time, natural wave and tidal action will wash sand up against the new seawall, covering one or two of the lower bleacher levels and restoring the width of the beach.
As before, the beach levels will vary as natural wave action removes and replenishes the sand. The new structure is 500 mm higher than the previous seawall, and the width of the promenade path has been slightly reduced, which will increase the amount of beach space available for visitors.
Yes, upgrades to this building have been carried out. This includes internal and external painting, building repairs and the male and female showers facilities have been improved. The Dressing Pavilion building will reopen when the seawall works are completed.
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