AN ambitious new plan designed to revitalise and attract investment along Newcastle's coastline suggests closing public access to the Bogey Hole and building shops, cafes and restaurants on the waterfront.
East-end apartments, roads, parking lots, cycleways and skate parks are other options on the blueprint, which is set to bring dramatic change to one of the Hunter's most valuable and popular natural assets.
NSW Land and Property Management Authority and Newcastle City Council are sharing the cost of the $300,000 project.
The authority has said the objectives are to improve coastline planning and management, develop public infrastructure, attract prospective commercial operators and assist surf clubs.
The government bodies employed consultant Urbis to examine opportunities along the coastline between Stockton and Merewether.
The Herald has obtained details of the draft Newcastle coastal revitalisation project.
It contains several controversial proposals, such as closing public access to the Bogey Hole.
The popular swimming spot is said to be dangerous and it is believed authorities would be unwilling to spend money on repairs with no prosect of a financial return.
Newcastle military commandant Major James Thomas Morisset had the hole cut into coastal rocks between 1819 and 1822 for his personal bathing purposes.
It was made available for public use in 1863.
Bogie Hole regular Candice Campbell, pictured above, said the historic spot was an asset.
"I feel like they're shutting off part of Newcastle's history from the public," Miss Campbell said.
"The only time it really becomes unsafe is when people act unsafely."
Other parts of the draft coastal revitalisation plan suggest new commercial buildings to generate income from the coastline.
They include a cafe at Stockton ferry terminal, a restaurant at Nobbys, a commercial use for the Newcastle Ocean Baths pavilion and retail space in Empire Park.
Tramway Reserve in Newcastle East is slated as a potential location for new units.
Several surf clubs would be rebuilt and public spaces upgraded.
Community services such as a cycleway, redeveloped skate park, and revamped shelters, seats and paths are part of the plan.
Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate said the city needed a vision for the coastline.
But he was worried about some aspects of the proposal.
"It's good to have a plan and this is obviously a long-term plan," he said.
"But I'm very concerned about raising expectations in people's minds when there's no financial structure to back up the development."
Cr Tate said he would not support closing the Bogey Hole, nor aspects such as building a road through Empire Park.
"At this stage the plan is suggesting the Bogey Hole will be closed and I'm very annoyed about that because it's part of our history and our heritage," he said.
The plan is expected to go on public exhibition early next year.
"I'd be urging people to have a close look at it when it goes on display and put their submissions in," Cr Tate said.
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